Senior Support Worker (Residential Children's Home) Salary: £42,000 per annum (inclusive of sleep-in rate) Shift Pattern: 8am - 11pm x1 Day on, 2 days off - 4 week rolling rota Location: Derby
Reports to: Residential Manager
Liaises with: Registered Manager, Deputy Manager, Care Staff, Education Teams, Therapists and External Professionals Job Purpose As a Senior Support Worker, you will play a key leadership role in delivering high-quality, therapeutic care to young people aged 12-17 with emotional, behavioural and complex needs. You will lead shifts, support and supervise staff, and ensure young people receive consistent, safe, and nurturing care in line with regulatory standards and the homes Statement of Purpose. You'll be hands-on, organised, emotionally resilient, and calm under pressure the kind of person who can lead from the front while keeping the environment safe, structured, and genuinely homely. Key Responsibilities Care & Safeguarding Provide consistent, child-centred care that supports emotional, physical and social developmentSafeguard the welfare of young people at all times in line with legislation and best practiceImplement care plans, risk assessments and behaviour support strategiesPromote structure, boundaries and positive behaviourEnsure young people attend education, therapy and statutory appointmentsAct as a positive role model and trusted adult Leadership & Shift Management Lead shifts and coordinate staff deploymentSupervise, mentor and support care staff on shiftSupport the induction and development of new team membersEnsure clear handovers and consistent care approachesMaintain therapeutic standards and promote professionalism Multi-Agency Working Work in partnership with social workers, education providers, therapists and familiesAttend reviews and professionals meetingsMaintain strong professional relationships with external agencies Administration & Compliance Maintain accurate daily records, incident reports and case notesContribute to statutory review reports and care documentationHandle telephone enquiries appropriatelySupport financial accountability for young peoples monies and home resources Home Environment Maintain a clean, safe and homely environmentSupport young people with daily routines, household tasks and meal preparationReport maintenance and health & safety concerns Personal Development Work towards QCF Level 5 in Leadership/Childcare (or equivalent)Engage in supervision, training and professional development Additional Duties Participate in the on-call rotaProvide cover for sickness and holidaysSupport the Registered and Deputy Manager as required Person Specification Essential NVQ Level 3 in Caring for Children & Young People (or equivalent)Experience supporting young people aged 12-17 with challenging behaviourExperience leading shifts and supervising staffStrong written and verbal communication skillsExcellent understanding of safeguarding and child protectionEmotional resilience and ability to maintain professional boundariesFlexible to work shifts, nights, weekends and bank holidays Desirable Level 4 or 5 qualification in Health & Social CareExperience supporting young people with ASD, mental health or emotional/behavioural difficultiesExperience completing LAC documentation and attending reviewsFull UK Driving Licence Safeguarding Commitment We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS, references and safer recruitment checks.
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