THE ROLE
As a Senior Support Worker, you will lead shifts, providing therapeutic, trauma-informed care to young people whilst supporting and mentoring your colleagues. You will be a key figure in ensuring that every young person feels safe, heard, and valued.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Shift Leadership: Lead shifts at our home, ensuring safe staffing ratios, high care standards, and full regulatory compliance.
- Staff Mentorship: Mentor and coach staff in therapeutic care, attachment theory, and the specific communication needs of children.
- Care Planning: Ensure the consistent implementation of Placement Plans and Care Risk Assessments.
- Safeguarding: Monitor safeguarding standards, acting as a point of escalation for complex child protection concerns, online safety, and welfare issues.
- Team Support: Support the Manager with staff supervision, reflective practice sessions, and the induction of new team members.
- Crisis Management: Respond to incidents using positive behaviour support and de-escalation techniques, prioritising emotional regulation.
- Therapeutic Care: Build therapeutic relationships using PACE principles and trauma-informed approaches to support recovery and healing.
- Multi-Agency Collaboration: Collaborate with multi-disciplinary professionals including Local Authority social workers, Virtual Schools, and health specialists (such as CAMHS, OT, and Physio).
- Advocacy: Promote children's rights and advocacy, ensuring their voices, wishes, and feelings influence daily life and formal reviews.
- Education Support: Support educational attendance and achievement, providing structured learning activities for children between formal placements.
- Compliance: Maintain accurate, detailed records in accordance with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.
Person SpecificationEssential — Qualifications & Experience
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
- Minimum 2 years' experience in residential childcare or a similar specialist setting.
- Proven experience in supervising, mentoring, or leading a team.
- Strong understanding of Safeguarding frameworks, Regulation 40 notifications, and risk management.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed practice, attachment theory, and child development.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable — Qualifications & Experience
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare.
- Experience working in Emotional Behavioural Difficulties (EBD) homes.
Essential — Skills & Personal Attributes
- Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging or crisis situations.
- Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and guide a team.
- Commitment to children's rights, anti-discriminatory practice, equality, and diversity.
- Ability to maintain clear, accurate records and contribute to care planning.
- Resilience, empathy, and emotional intelligence.
- A genuine passion for making a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable young people.
Desirable — Skills & Personal Attributes
- Training in positive behaviour support, de-escalation, or physical intervention (e.g., Team Teach, Price, or equivalent).
- Experience of reflective practice or clinical consultation.
- Familiarity with the PACE model (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy).
Additional InformationThis post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. Penn Inspires Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.
Pay: £14.30-£14.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Flexible schedule
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Paid training
Application question(s):
- Do you hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent?
Experience:
- Children's Residential Care: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- UK Driving Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person
