Senior Support Worker
Athena Care Group | Locations: Pontardawe
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent | Salary: £33,216 year (+ approx. £3,600/yr in sleep-in pay)
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS - PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
A minimum of 1 year experience working in a Residential Children's Home supporting children and young people.
Hold a Level 3 Diploma/QCF in Health & Social Care (Children and Young People) or be actively working towards this qualification.
Hold a full UK Manual Driving Licence (automatic licences and provisional licences will not be accepted).
Have the right to work in the UK (we are unable to offer visa sponsorship).
Be aged 21 or over in line with regulatory requirements.
Applications that do not meet the above criteria will not be shortlisted.
About the RoleYou will take a senior position within our children’s homes, leading shifts, supporting our Children, Residential Support Workers, and ensuring high standards of care are consistently met. This role suits someone who is confident, resilient, and ready to take responsibility in a fast-paced residential environment.Benefits ● Competitive Pay: Strong salary plus extra pay for sleep-in shifts
● Great Time Off: 25 days annual leave, plus additional paid birthday day off
● Financial & Perks: Company pension, Benenden Health Care and Bonuses – including Employee Referral Scheme of £250 and Attendance Bonus of £200 per quarter
● Career Growth: Two-week paid induction before beginning shifts and progression pathways
Key Responsibilities
● Carry out daily support work including school runs, meal prep, routines, and safety checks
● Lead shifts and act as the senior decision-maker on duty
● Deliver high-quality, trauma-informed, child-centred care
● Mentor, guide, and support staff to develop their practice
● Implement and review care plans, risk assessments, and behaviour strategies
● Safeguard children and ensure policies, procedures, and legislation are followed
● Promote positive behaviour, emotional regulation, and life skills
● Maintain professional communication with social workers, schools, and external agencies
● · Ensure accurate, timely, and detailed record keeping
Shift Pattern & Hours
● Pattern: 14.5-hour shifts + overnight sleep-ins (approx. 3 shifts/week, 173 hrs/month, 2 weekends/month)
● Structure: Rotas provided 6 weeks in advance
Requirements
● Experience: Background carrying out residential support work with children or young people (Essential)
● Qualifications: QCF Health and Social Care in Children and Young People or working towards (Essential)
● Licence & Status: Full UK manual driving licence & UK right to work (no sponsorship) (Essential)
● Regulations: Aged 21+ (care regulatory requirement) and eligible for an Enhanced DBS check (Essential)
Ready to start a rewarding career in support work? Apply today!
Athena Care Group is committed to safeguarding; safer recruitment checks apply.
Pay: £33,216.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Referral programme
Application question(s):
- Do you hold a current DBS on the update Service?
- Do you hold a Level 3 QCF Health & Social Care - Specifically in Children and Young People Qualification?
- Previous experience working with children and young people in a residential care environment.
Experience:
- Working with children in a Residential Setting : 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- DVLA Issued Manual Drivers Licence with less than 6 points (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
