Company: Apple Orchard
Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Specific Hours: 40 hours per week - shift pattern
Salary: Up to £32,623.97, including sleep-in shifts, dependent on performance and experience

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with sleep-in allowances (£35 per night, typically one per week)
• Every other weekend off for a healthy work-life balance
• Fully funded qualifications and professional development opportunities
• Clear promotion pathways and career progression
• Company pension for your future
• Access to employee discounts and wellbeing programmes

Are you ready to make a real difference in a child's life? At Apple Orchard, our Residential Support Workers are the heart of our mission, creating calm, caring, and therapeutic homes for children who have faced trauma and challenges.

Why Join Apple Orchard?

• Competitive salary with regular sleep-in payments
• A supportive work environment with every other weekend off
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training
• Clear career progression, including routes into senior and leadership roles
• A collaborative team culture where you won’t learn alone
• Practical support to complete your Level 3 qualification

Training and Support from Day One

We understand that starting a role in residential childcare can be daunting, especially if you're new to this field. That’s why we provide structured training, regular supervision, and hands-on support from experienced managers and colleagues. You’ll learn to understand each child's needs, use therapeutic approaches, and develop the skills necessary for your career growth.

About Apple Orchard

Apple Orchard operates five residential children's homes across Surrey and West Sussex, offering therapeutic environments for boys aged 12-18. Our homes are designed to help children feel safe, build trust, and gain the confidence they need for a brighter future.

Join a dedicated team that values compassion, consistency, resilience, and teamwork. In this role, every small moment counts—from helping a child navigate a tough day to celebrating their achievements and supporting their journey towards independence.

Your Role as a Residential Support Worker

As a Residential Support Worker, you will be a trusted adult in the lives of the children we care for. Your responsibilities will include:

• Creating a safe, nurturing environment where children feel valued
• Supporting daily routines, education, and activities that build confidence
• Building stable, trusting relationships as a positive role model
• Using calm, therapeutic approaches to guide children through challenges
• Maintaining clear and accurate records of progress and achievements
• Collaborating with colleagues, families, and professionals to ensure high standards of care

What We're Looking For

Essential:

• A genuine passion for making a positive impact in children's lives
• A caring, resilient, and patient approach, with the ability to stay calm under pressure
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle due to the rural location of some homes

Helpful but Not Essential:

• Experience in childcare, education, youth work, or similar settings
• Level 3 Residential Childcare/Families Practitioner/Health & Social Care qualification, or willingness to pursue it
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• A team-focused attitude with a good sense of humour
• Confidence in following procedures and contributing to care plans

Ready to Apply?

If you are compassionate, reliable, and eager to help children feel safe and supported, we would love to hear from you!

Apple Orchard is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and we expect all staff to share this commitment.

Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.