Residential Support Worker

Reports to: Senior Team Leader

Location:Newquay

Salary: £13.50

Job Type:Full Time

Role Overview: Our client supports children and young people to feel safe, understood, and valued, creating a stable and nurturing home environment where they can build trust, develop independence, and experience a sense of belonging.Grounded in a trauma-informed approach, they work collaboratively with families and professionals to develop consistent, meaningful relationships that support lasting positive outcomes.

The Residential Support Worker plays a key role in delivering safe, high-quality care in line with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards, supporting children’s wellbeing, development, and independence. 

Key Responsibilities:

• To make a difference to children and young people:Support children to feel safe, understood, and supported in managing their emotions and behaviours
• Recognise that behaviour is communication and respond using trauma-informed and therapeutically informed approaches
• Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns, including those relating to colleagues, in line with local safeguarding procedures and whistleblowing policy
• Work alongside children, families, and professionals to create and follow bespoke high quality meaningful person-centred plans, Risk assessments and positive behaviour support plans
• Provide regular 1:1 sessions and direct work, supporting each child to explore their life story and build independence through personalised planning to achieve identified and agreed goals.
• Promote and support education, attendance, and achievement in partnership with education providers
• Support children to understand and exercise their rights, including access to advocacy and complaints procedures
• Support children to access and enjoy a range of activities, hobbies, and social experiences that reflect their interests, promote confidence, and contribute to their overall development and wellbeing
• Support children to develop daily living skills, including planning, preparing, and sharing meals, promoting independence, routine, and a sense of belonging within the home
• Support children to engage positively with their local community, developing social skills, independence, and a respectful understanding of diversity, inclusion, and shared values
• Build trusting and meaningful relationships while maintaining clear professional boundaries
• Follow and contribute to individual risk assessments and behaviour support strategies, including the safe and appropriate use of physical intervention where trained
• Monitor, record, and contribute to children’s progress and outcomes

To support the effective running of the home:

• Maintain clear, accurate records that reflect the child’s voice and are suitable for inspection
• Complete incident reports and daily logs in line with regulatory and organisational expectations
• Maintain a safe, clean, and nurturing home environment
• Prepare and cook nutritious meals, ensuring children’s dietary needs, preferences, and cultural requirements are met
• Administer medication in line with policy and regulatory guidance
• Support the safe management of petty cash and children’s finances
• Maintain confidentiality while sharing information appropriately to safeguard children
•  Responsibilities in line with identified areas to support the smooth running of the home

Professional responsibilities:

• Engage in regular meaningful supervision, training, and reflective practice to continuously develop
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding, legislation, and best practice
• Demonstrate professional curiosity in understanding each child’s lived experience
• Work collaboratively as part of a team, recognising that strong relationships create better outcomes

This is not an exhaustive list, other duties and responsibilities may be required from time to time which are within your capability or skill set. 

Key Skills & Attributes:

• Warm, respectful, and emotionally aware approach
• Strong communication, observation, and listening skills
• Ability to remain, resilient and consistent under pressure
• Ability to build trusting relationships
• Strong commitment to safeguarding and child-centred care
• Organised and reliable
• Reflective and open to learning
• Commitment to equality, dignity, and inclusion 

Qualifications and Experience:

• Level 3 or 4 Diploma in Children and Young People (essential) or willingness to achieve within 2 years
• Experience working with children or young people (essential)
• Experience in similar settings (essential)
• Experience working in children’s residential care (desirable)
• Willingness to complete and renew within timescales mandatory training including safeguarding, behaviour support, first aid, health & safety, and physical intervention.
• Enhanced DBS (Children’s Barred List) required
• Over 22 Years Old
• Driving licence (desirable) 

Working Conditions:

Shift work including evenings, weekends, sleep-ins, and bank holidays

Supporting children with complex emotional, behavioural, and developmental needs

Participation in supervision, training, and team development

This role is subject to a 6-month probation

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All staff are required to work in accordance with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, the Quality Standards, and safeguarding legislation. Our approach is grounded in strong relationships, professional curiosity, and a shared responsibility to ensure children are safe, respected, and supported to achieve positive outcomes.