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
Salary: Up to £36,427.61 (including sleep-in shifts, based on performance and experience)
Specific Hours: Approx. 40 hours per week - shift pattern
Why Choose Apple Orchard?
Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of children? At Apple Orchard, our Senior Residential Support Workers are the heart of our mission to create safe, supportive, and therapeutic homes for children who have faced challenges in their lives. This is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to inspire hope and foster resilience!
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary with regular sleep-in payments
- A healthy work-life balance, including every other weekend off
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing training
- Clear career progression pathways, including routes into senior and leadership roles
- Supportive management and a collaborative team culture
- Company pension and employee discounts
- Wellbeing support and practical assistance to complete your Level 3 qualification
Your Role and Responsibilities:
- Lead 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 domestic tasks when necessary
- 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:
- 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 humor, and emotional resilience
- Confidence in following procedures, writing reports, and contributing to care plans
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you are compassionate, reliable, and eager to help children feel safe and supported, we would love to hear from you! At Apple Orchard, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All staff are expected to share this commitment, and successful applicants will undergo an enhanced DBS check.
Join us in creating a brighter future for the children we support!
