Residential Support Worker

Join Our Team as a Residential Support Worker!

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 and access to employee discounts
• Wellbeing programmes to support your health

Why Join Apple Orchard?

Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of children? At Apple Orchard, our Residential Support Workers are the heart of our mission, creating calm and caring homes for children who have faced challenges. This is more than just a job; it’s a chance to help children feel safe, supported, and hopeful about their futures.

We believe in nurturing talent and providing the tools you need to succeed. Whether you’re new to residential childcare or have experience, we offer:

• Structured training and ongoing support from day one
• A collaborative team culture where you won’t learn alone
• Practical support to complete your Level 3 qualification
• Opportunities for career advancement into senior and leadership roles

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 mission is to help children who have experienced trauma feel safe, build trust, and develop the confidence they need for a brighter future.

Your Role

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 home environment where children feel valued
• Supporting daily routines, education, hobbies, and activities that foster confidence and life skills
• Building stable, trusting relationships and serving as a positive role model
• Using calm, therapeutic approaches to guide children through challenging moments
• Maintaining clear and accurate records of progress and important information
• 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 difference 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, mental health, or similar settings
• Level 3 Residential Childcare/Families Practitioner/Health & Social Care qualification, or willingness to work towards it
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• A team-focused attitude, good sense of humour, and emotional resilience
• Confidence in following procedures, writing reports, 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 expect all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.