Our Mission
We are committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and progressive environment for every child placed in our care. Our home exists to create meaningful, lasting experiences – whether a child is with us for a short period or on a long-term basis. We believe every child deserves stability, compassion, and the opportunity to grow into a confident and resilient individual.
Underpinning everything we do is a trauma-informed approach. We recognise that many of the children we support have experienced significant adversity, and we are committed to responding to their needs with empathy, patience, and an unwavering belief in their potential. Our team works together to create a culture of trust, consistency, and genuine care.
Role Purpose
As a Support Worker, you will play a vital role in the day-to-day lives of children aged 8 to 15 years who present with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD). You will work as part of a dedicated team to deliver high-quality, person-centred care that promotes each child’s emotional wellbeing, personal development, and overall progress.
You will be a consistent, trusted presence for the children in your care – helping them to feel safe, understood, and valued. This is a role that demands both resilience and compassion, and we are looking for individuals who are passionate about making a real and lasting difference.
Safeguarding – Our Highest Priority
The safety and welfare of every child in our home is our absolute priority. All staff are required to uphold the highest standards of safeguarding practice at all times, in line with current legislation, Ofsted regulations, and our internal safeguarding policy.
As a Support Worker, you will be expected to:
- Maintain a thorough understanding of safeguarding legislation, including the Children Act 1989 and 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015
- Recognise and respond appropriately to signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, including child sexual exploitation (CSE) and county lines
- Report all safeguarding concerns promptly through the correct internal and external channels
- Maintain strict professional boundaries with all children at all times
- Attend mandatory safeguarding training and keep your knowledge current
- Contribute to a culture of openness, accountability, and vigilance within the home
We take safeguarding seriously. Any concerns about a child’s welfare must be reported immediately, and staff are supported to raise concerns without fear of reproach. Failure to report a safeguarding concern is a serious matter and will be dealt with accordingly.
Key Duties and ResponsibilitiesSupporting Emotional Wellbeing and Resilience
- Build warm, trusting, and consistent relationships with children, acting as a positive role model at all times
- Use trauma-informed practices to understand and respond to the root causes of challenging behaviour with empathy and without judgement
- Support children to identify and manage their emotions through co-regulation techniques and structured therapeutic activities
- Encourage children to develop confidence, self-worth, and a positive sense of identity
- Celebrate achievements, however small, and reinforce positive behaviour through praise and encouragement
Building Life Skills
- Support children in developing essential life skills including cooking, personal hygiene, budgeting, and time management
- Encourage independence and self-sufficiency in line with each child’s age and level of development
- Facilitate activities that promote creativity, curiosity, and personal growth
- Support children in developing healthy social relationships with peers and adults
- Prepare older young people for the transition to independence and adulthood
Access to Education
- Work closely with schools, virtual school heads, and educational professionals to support each child’s attendance, engagement, and attainment
- Assist children with homework, reading, and other learning activities within the home
- Advocate for each child’s educational needs and attend reviews, meetings, and Personal Education Plan (PEP) meetings as required
- Foster a positive attitude towards learning by making education engaging and relevant to each child’s interests
Reducing Harmful Behaviours
- Implement individual Behaviour Support Plans and Risk Assessments with fidelity and consistency
- Use de-escalation strategies and positive behaviour support techniques to reduce incidents
- Apply approved physical intervention techniques only as a last resort and in accordance with current training and policy
- Accurately record all incidents, near misses, and significant events in line with regulatory requirements
- Participate in reflective practice and debriefs following incidents to identify learning and improve outcomes
- Support children to understand the impact of their behaviour and develop alternative coping strategies
Trauma-Informed Practice
- Understand the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on child development and behaviour
- Apply trauma-informed principles in all interactions, maintaining a calm, predictable, and nurturing approach
- Work collaboratively with therapists, social workers, and other professionals as part of each child’s wider care team
- Contribute to the development and review of each child’s care plan, ensuring it reflects their individual needs and aspirations
- Attend and engage with trauma-informed training as directed by the management team
Creating Meaningful Experiences
- Plan and facilitate engaging activities that reflect each child’s interests, cultural background, and developmental needs
- Support children to access community resources, leisure activities, and social opportunities
- Mark significant events in children’s lives with care and thoughtfulness, whether birthdays, cultural celebrations, or personal milestones
- Ensure that children’s voices are heard and their wishes and feelings are central to all decisions made about their care
General Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate and timely records including daily logs, incident reports, medication administration records, and care plan reviews
- Adhere to all home policies and procedures, including those relating to health and safety, medication, and confidentiality
- Participate in regular supervision, team meetings, and training as required
- Carry out domestic tasks to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming home environment
- Undertake sleep-in and waking night duties as required
- Work flexibly across a rota pattern including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays
Person SpecificationEssential
- A genuine passion for working with children and young people
- Understanding of safeguarding and child protection legislation and practice
- Ability to remain calm and composed under pressure
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
- Willingness to work a flexible rota including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins
- Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one)
Desirable
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or working towards it – support provided)
- Previous experience working with children or young people with EBD in a residential setting
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care and attachment theory
- Experience of working within a regulated environment (e.g. Ofsted or CQC registered)
- First aid qualification
- Full UK driving licence
Training and Development
We are committed to the professional development of all staff. Upon joining, you will receive a comprehensive induction programme and ongoing training, which will include:
- Safeguarding and child protection (Level 1 and Level 2)
- Trauma-informed care and therapeutic approaches
- Positive behaviour support and de-escalation
- Physical intervention training (e.g. PRICE / Team Teach)
- First aid and medication administration
- Health and safety
- Support to achieve or progress your Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (if not already held)
Our Commitment to You
We recognise that our staff are our greatest asset. We are committed to supporting your wellbeing, investing in your development, and creating a workplace where you feel valued, respected, and empowered to do your best work. In return, we ask that you bring your whole self to this role – your compassion, your professionalism, and your commitment to every child in our care.
If you share our belief that every child deserves a safe, nurturing, and meaningful experience – regardless of their past – we would love to hear from you.
Pay: From £12.17 per hour
Work Location: In person
