Residential Support Worker

Job title: Residential Support Worker

Service: Children's residential home - emotional and behavioural support

Employer: Anima Residential Care Limited

Location: Erith/Slade Green

Reports to: Deputy Manager / Registered Manager

Hours: Full-time and part-time available; shift work including days, evenings, weekends, bank holidays and sleep-in duties

Contract: Permanent/Bank workers

Salary: 13.50 hourly

DBS: Enhanced DBS check (with Children's Barred List) required

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Caring for the children

• Provide day-to-day care that meets each child's physical, emotional, social and educational needs.
• Build positive, trusting relationships and act as a consistent, reliable adult in the child's life.
• Support children through daily routines - getting up, meals, school, activities, bedtime - and encourage independence and life skills.
• Use a trauma-informed, nurturing approach (such as PACE - playfulness, acceptance, curiosity and empathy) to help children feel safe and understood.
• Help children manage their emotions and behaviour, de-escalating difficult situations calmly and using positive behaviour support strategies.
• Plan and take part in fun, meaningful activities, outings and interests that build confidence and self-esteem.

Safeguarding and wellbeing

• Promote and safeguard the welfare of every child, following the home's safeguarding and child protection policies at all times.
• Recognise and report any safeguarding concerns, incidents or changes in a child's presentation promptly and appropriately.
• Support children's health needs, including attending appointments and following care plans and any medication procedures.
• Work within risk assessments and individual care plans, contributing to keeping these up to date.

Records and teamwork

• Keep accurate, timely and professional records - daily logs, key-working notes, incident reports and other documentation - to the standards expected by Ofsted and the home.
• Act as a key worker for individual children, helping to plan and review their care and progress.
• Work positively as part of a team, sharing information through handovers, meetings and supervision.
• Take part in training, supervision and team development to keep your practice safe and up to date.

ABOUT YOU

Essential

• A genuine passion for working with children and young people and helping them thrive.
• Patience, resilience, empathy and a calm, consistent manner, even in challenging situations.
• Good communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with children and colleagues.
• A willingness to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays and sleep-ins.
• A commitment to safeguarding and to treating children with dignity, warmth and respect.
• The right to work in the UK and willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

Desirable

• Experience of working with children or young people, particularly those with emotional and behavioural needs.
• A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or willingness to work towards it - we will support you to achieve this).
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, attachment, PACE or positive behaviour support approaches.
• A full UK driving licence.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A supportive, friendly team and regular supervision.
• Full induction and ongoing training, including funded qualifications.
• Clear opportunities for career progression within the organisation.
• Sleep-in payments in addition to your salary.
• The chance to make a real and lasting difference to children's lives.