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 at the heart of creating safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environments 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 (£35 per night, typically one per week)
• A healthy work-life balance, including every other weekend off
• Full induction and ongoing training, with fully funded qualifications
• Clear career progression pathways into senior and leadership roles
• Supportive management and a collaborative team culture
• Company pension, employee discounts, and wellbeing support
• Practical assistance to complete your Level 3 qualification in therapeutic residential care

About Us:

Apple Orchard operates five residential children's homes across Surrey and West Sussex, providing 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.

Join a dedicated team that values compassion, consistency, 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 Responsibilities:

• Lead in meeting each young person's care, welfare, and development needs
• 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
• Assist with daily routines in the home, including domestic tasks as needed
• 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 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 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!

Apple Orchard is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from suitably 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.