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

Compensation

Starting salary of £31,432.09, with the potential to earn up to £33,112.09 through sleep-in shifts.

Salary after probation: Base salary of £32,817.82, with the potential to earn up to £34,497.82 with sleep-in shifts.

Specific Hours: Approx. 40 hours per week - shift pattern

Why Choose Apple Orchard?

At Apple Orchard, we operate five residential homes nestled in the serene landscapes of Surrey and West Sussex. Our mission is to create a warm, homely environment for boys aged 12-18, helping them navigate their past experiences and move forward positively.

We believe in providing safe boundaries, achievable goals, and supportive strategies, all while fostering nurturing care. Our dedicated team ensures that every young person’s basic needs are met, allowing strong, positive relationships and healthy attachments to flourish.

Your Role and Responsibilities

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, with a commitment to ongoing skill development.
• 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 (every other weekend off).
• Strong teamwork skills and a willingness to follow handovers and delegated tasks.
• Confidence in following policies and procedures.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• The ability to listen, engage, and build positive relationships.

Benefits and Growth Opportunities

We offer a range of benefits to support your career and well-being:

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

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

Join us in making a difference in the lives of young people!