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
• Clear promotion pathways and career progression
• Company pension and access to employee discount and wellbeing programmes

Why Join Apple Orchard?

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 challenges. This is your chance to be part of something truly rewarding!

We believe in nurturing talent, so whether you’re new to residential childcare or have experience, we’ll provide:

• Structured training and ongoing support from day one
• Regular supervision and practical guidance from experienced managers
• Opportunities for career advancement into senior and leadership roles
• A supportive team culture where learning is a shared journey

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 feel safe, build trust, and develop the confidence they need for a brighter future. Join a dedicated team that values compassion, consistency, resilience, and teamwork!

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, and supportive home environment
• Supporting daily routines, education, hobbies, and activities that build confidence and life skills
• Building stable, trusting relationships and being a positive role model
• Using calm, therapeutic approaches to support children through challenges
• Maintaining clear and accurate records of progress and important information
• Collaborating with colleagues, families, and professionals to uphold 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 all staff are expected to share this commitment. Successful applicants will undergo an enhanced DBS check.