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

Starting Salary: Base salary of £31,432.09, with the potential to earn up to £33,112.09 with sleep-in shifts. After probation, the base salary increases to £32,817.82, with potential earnings of up to £34,497.82.

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 focus on providing safe boundaries, achievable goals, and nurturing care, fostering strong, positive relationships and healthy attachments.

Your Role and Responsibilities

As a Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker, you will:

• Lead in meeting the care, welfare, and development needs of each young person.
• 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 as 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 (public transport is limited in our rural location).
• 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 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.

Working Conditions and Benefits

We offer a supportive work environment with:

• A company pension plan.
• £35 per sleep-in shift (approximately one per week, for about 48 weeks a year).
• Access to our Exchange Employee Discount Scheme.
• Wellbeing support through our Exchange Provision.
• Opportunities for promotion and career progression.

Apple Orchard is proud to be an equal opportunities employer, actively encouraging applications from 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 undergo an enhanced DBS check.

Ready to make a difference? Join us at Apple Orchard and help shape the future of young lives!