Aurora Pathways is creating a warm, non‑clinical children’s home (Ofsted‑registered) for young people with significant mental‑health needs. We work to trauma‑informed, relationship‑based principles including PACE and the Trauma Recovery Model, with structured clinical consultation and on‑site education.
We put children first, living our values of Safety, Kindness, Dignity and Ambition in every interaction.
Job purpose
To provide leadership on shift, helping to create a safe, stable, nurturing home. Senior RCWs mentor staff, hold the details of children’s plans and model therapeutic practice, especially in times of distress.
Key responsibilities
· Lead shifts and provide clear direction, ensuring supervision levels and safety plans are followed.
· Hold key‑worker responsibilities for allocated young people, supporting goals, routines and progress reviews.
· Support therapeutic observations (including competency assessment where trained) and safe, dignified practice.
· Support behaviour support planning, de‑escalation and post‑incident debriefs and learning.
· Maintain high‑quality recording and contribute to reports for meetings and reviews.
· Coach and support Residential Care Workers and new starters during induction and shadowing.
Safeguarding responsibilities
· Understand that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and act immediately on any concern.
· Follow Aurora Pathways safeguarding procedures, escalation routes and whistleblowing expectations.
· Maintain professional boundaries and a culture of respectful challenge to keep children safe.
Governance and compliance
· Work in line with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, the Quality Standards, and Aurora Pathways policies.
· Complete clear, accurate and timely recording and contribute to learning reviews and quality improvement.
· Protect confidential information and follow GDPR and information‑sharing guidance.
Training and development
· Complete induction and ongoing training (safeguarding, trauma‑informed practice, mental‑health risk, behaviour support, medication, GDPR).
· Attend supervision and reflective practice as required and demonstrate learning in day‑to‑day work.
Essential Criteria
Experience
- Experience working in a children’s home supporting young people with complex needs or mental health challenges
- Experience acting as shift lead or senior on duty
Knowledge & Skills
- Strong de-escalation skills and ability to co-regulate with young people
- Confident with risk assessment, safety planning, and observations
- Good written communication and record-keeping skills
Other Requirements
- Enhanced DBS clearance
- Right to work in the UK
Personal Attributes
- Reliable, calm, kind, and able to maintain boundaries
- Team player who can lead by example
Qualifications
- Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (or equivalent)
Desirable Criteria
Experience
- Experience supporting Tier 4 step-down placements
Knowledge & Skills
- Experience delivering or assessing staff competencies, including observations and medication administration
Qualifications
- Level 4 qualification, or working towards Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare
Work Location: In person
Pay: £25.00 per hour
Experience:
- Residential Childcare: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person
