Job Purpose
To provide high-quality, child-centred care and support to children and young people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs. The Senior Support Worker will act as a role model for staff, support the day-to-day running of the home, and contribute to the delivery of safe, nurturing, and structured care in line with Ofsted regulations, Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, and the home’s Statement of Purpose.
Key Responsibilities
Care & Support
- Provide consistent, safe, and emotionally responsive care to children and young people with learning disabilities and associated needs
- Promote independence, life skills, emotional wellbeing, and positive outcomes
- Implement and follow individual care plans, behaviour support plans, and risk assessments
- Support children with personal care, medication (where trained), education routines, and community activities
- Use trauma-informed, therapeutic, and positive behaviour support approaches
Safeguarding & Compliance
- Safeguard and promote the welfare of children at all times in line with safeguarding procedures
- Follow all Ofsted requirements, policies, and statutory guidance including Keeping Children Safe in Education and Working Together to Safeguard Children
- Maintain accurate, timely, and high-quality records including daily logs, incident reports, and care documentation
- Act appropriately on concerns, incidents, or disclosures, escalating to management where required
Leadership & Shift Responsibility
- Take lead responsibility on shift in the absence of the Manager or Deputy
- Support, guide, and mentor Support Workers to ensure consistent standards of care
- Delegate tasks appropriately and oversee shift handovers
- Model professional practice and uphold the home’s values and expectations
- Support new staff, agency workers, and inductions as required
Medication & Health
- Administer medication in line with training, policy, and MAR procedures
- Monitor children’s physical and emotional health and report concerns promptly
Professional Practice
- Maintain professional boundaries and act as a positive role model
- Attend team meetings, supervisions, training, and reflective practice sessions
- Contribute to care planning, reviews, and outcome-based approaches
- Support a culture of continuous improvement and reflective learning
Essential Requirements
- Experience working with children or young people with learning disabilities, autism, or complex needs
- Previous experience as a Senior Support Worker OR several years’ experience as a Support Worker in a children’s residential setting
- Sound understanding of safeguarding and children’s residential care standards
- Ability to work shifts including nights, weekends, and bank holidays
- Strong communication, record-keeping, and organisational skills
- Resilient, calm, and able to work effectively under pressure
Desirable / Qualifications
- NVQ Level 3 / Diploma Level 3 in Residential Childcare, Health & Social Care, or equivalent (desirable)
- Willingness to work towards NVQ Level 3 if not already achieved (essential)
- Knowledge of Ofsted regulations and Children’s Homes Quality Standards
- Experience supporting children with behaviours that challenge
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £14.00-£14.50 per hour
Work Location: In person
