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 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. This is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to inspire hope and support children in their journey towards a brighter future.

Why Join Apple Orchard?

• Attractive salary with regular sleep-in payments
• Work-life balance with every other weekend off
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training
• Clear career progression, including routes into senior and leadership roles
• Supportive team culture with experienced colleagues
• Company pension, employee discounts, and wellbeing support
• Practical support to complete your Level 3 qualification

Training and Support from Day One

We understand that starting a role in residential childcare can feel 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 unique needs, apply 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 successful future. Join a dedicated team that values compassion, consistency, resilience, and teamwork. Here, every small moment counts—from helping a child navigate a tough day to celebrating their achievements.

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, 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 uphold 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 demeanor, with the ability to remain 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 pursue 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 Make a Difference?

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, expecting all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will undergo an enhanced DBS check.