Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker

Join Our Team as a Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker!

Company: Apple Orchard

Location: Horsham, West Sussex

Contract: Full time, permanent

Exciting Salary Opportunities

Start your journey with a base salary of £31,432.09, with the potential to earn up to £33,112.09 through sleep-in shifts. After probation, your base salary will increase to £32,817.82, with the potential to reach £34,497.82!

Working Hours

Approx 40 hours per week on a shift pattern, ensuring a balanced work-life experience.

Why Choose Apple Orchard?

• Generous company pension
• Earn £35 per sleep-in (one per week, approx. 48 weeks per year)
• Access to our Exchange Employee Discount Scheme
• Wellbeing support through our Exchange Provision
• Opportunities for promotion and career progression

About Us

At Apple Orchard, we operate five residential homes across Surrey and West Sussex, each nestled in tranquil rural settings. Our mission is to provide a warm, homely environment for boys aged 12-18, helping them navigate their past experiences and move forward positively.

We focus on creating safe boundaries, achievable goals, and supportive strategies, fostering strong, positive relationships and healthy attachments through nurturing care.

Your Role

As a Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker, you will:

• Lead in meeting each young person's care, welfare, and development needs.
• Plan engaging activities that promote learning, independence, and positive behavior.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, policies, and Children's Homes Regulations.
• Support and guide residential support workers, ensuring adherence to policies and risk assessments.
• Accurately record and report on young people's progress, including key events and life book updates.
• Collaborate with placing authorities, parents/carers, and other professionals.
• Support daily routines in the home, including assisting with domestic tasks when needed.
• Work with the Manager and team to uphold the home's ethos and address concerns appropriately.
• Maintain clear, accurate, and non-judgmental written records.

What We’re Looking For

To thrive in this role, you should have:

• Experience working with teenage boys or young people with challenging behaviors, and a desire to continue developing your skills.
• A full UK driving license and access to a vehicle (rural location - no public transport).
• A Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare/Health & Social Care (or a willingness to work towards it).
• The ability to engage young people in activities and support their journey toward independence and adulthood.
• Flexibility to work days, evenings, and weekends on a shift rota (with every other weekend off).
• Strong teamwork skills and a commitment to following handovers and delegated tasks.
• Confidence in following policies and procedures.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• A genuine ability to listen, engage, and build positive relationships.

Join Us in Making a Difference!

Apple Orchard is an equal opportunities employer and warmly encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates. We are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will undergo an enhanced DBS check.