Job Description:
Children’s Residential Support Worker
- Location: Bishop Auckland
- Salary: £39,520 Circa wage £45,000 including sleeps. £19.00 per hour (Qualified) Sleep in allowance is £55 per night.
- Contract: Full-time, Permanent (40 hours per week)Start Date: August/September 2026.
About Us
At Sunbridge Child Care, we have a strong sense of purpose, to make a genuine difference in the lives of children and young people who have experienced adversity.
We are a new 2 bed home that provides a safe nurturing home for children with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD), spaces where they can heal, grow, and experience the childhood they truly deserve. We see ourselves as corporate parents, committed to creating homes filled with warmth, laughter, stability, and new opportunities.
The Role
As a Residential Support Worker, you’ll work directly with children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). You’ll provide consistent care, emotional support, and encouragement, helping them to build trusting relationships, develop life skills, and enjoy positive new experiences.
You’ll play an essential role in:
- Creating a nurturing and safe home environment
- Supporting children’s emotional and social development
- Helping children engage in fun, educational, and meaningful activities
- Celebrating achievements and milestones, big and small
- Working as part of a close, supportive care team
This is an active and rewarding role where each day brings new experiences and every day, you’ll be contributing to a child’s brighter future
Qualifications & Experience Required
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated professional with a strong understanding of safeguarding children, child protection, and the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015. The ideal candidate will be calm under pressure, confident in making sound decisions, and committed to providing high-quality care and support to young people.
What we’re Looking For
We’re seeking enthusiastic, compassionate, and committed individuals who:
- Provide a high-quality, nurturing environment for young people
- Act as positive role models with professional integrity
- Work in a child-centred, trauma-informed way
- Are willing to take part in activities that encourage growth and create positive memories
- Strive for continuous improvement, personally and professionally
You’ll be part of a motivated team that values reflection, professional development, and shared success.
Requirements
- Minimum NVQ Level 3/4 Diploma Health & Social Care/ or level 3/4 in Residential Childcare
- At least 1 years’ experience working in a Children’s Residential Home
- Strong knowledge of children’s needs, rights, and development within a residential setting
- Sound understanding of the Care Standards Act 2000 and Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015
- Full UK driving licence (preferred)
- Ability to provide two professional references
- Enhanced DBS check (working with children) – essential
Key Attributes
- Firm understanding of safeguarding and child protection principles
- Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure
- Strong decision-making, communication, and teamwork skills
- Genuine commitment to supporting young people to achieve positive outcomes
Training & Development
You will receive comprehensive training and ongoing support, including:
- Attachment Theory & PACE model
- Trauma-Informed Practice
- Regular sessions with a psychologist to enhance reflective practice
- Continuous professional development (CPD)
Key Tasks
- Safeguard children and young people at all times
- Act as a positive role model, maintaining high professional standards
- Support daily routines, boundaries, and physical care needs.
- Be a strong advocate for young people when needed
- Use de-escalation techniques appropriately and safely (training provided).
- Support and transport children to appointments, family time, and activities
- Build trusting, positive relationships on both an individual and group basis
- Adhere to high standards of safe working practice
- Participate in recreational and educational activities
- Encourage participation in household tasks to build independence and self-care skills
- Work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary framework
Benefits
- Competitive hourly rate: £19.00 per hour ( paid 40 hours per week)
- Company Pension Scheme (with employer-matched contributions after 2 years)
- Life Insurance Cover
- Access to Blue Light Discount
- Refer a Friend Bonus Scheme
- Comprehensive Training Programme
- Annual Bonus
- Career development opportunities linked to your CPD
- Casual dress
- On-site parking
- Supportive, inclusive team culture
Application Question
Can you describe a time when you supported a young person through a challenging situation? How did you apply safeguarding principles and maintain a trauma-informed approach?
If you believe every child deserves safety, stability, and the chance to thrive, we’d love to hear from you.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Up to £45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Bishop Auckland DL14 7SH: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Can you give an example of when you have worked in a challenging situation with young people in a residential setting
Experience:
- Residential Child Care: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- UK Driving Licence (required)
- NVQ Level 3/4 -Children and Young People in residential (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
