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

Starting Salary: Base 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 Work with Us?

Benefits:

• Company pension
• £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 Apple Orchard

At Apple Orchard, we operate five residential homes across Surrey and West Sussex, each nestled in serene 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, including reward systems and structured free time. Our nurturing care is at the heart of what we do, ensuring every young person's basic needs are met while fostering strong, positive relationships and healthy attachments.

Your Role and Responsibilities

Duties:

• 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 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

Essential Skills:

• Experience working with teenage boys or young people with challenging behaviors, with a commitment to ongoing skill development.
• Full UK driving license and access to a vehicle (rural location - no public transport).
• Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare/Health & Social Care (or willingness to work towards it).
• 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).
• Capability to set firm, consistent boundaries and respond calmly to challenging behavior.
• Strong teamwork skills and a willingness to follow handovers and delegated tasks.
• Confidence in following policies and procedures.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to listen, engage, and build positive relationships.

Apple Orchard is proud to be an equal opportunities employer, actively encouraging applications from suitably qualified and eligible 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!