Job description
Senior Residential Support Worker
Location: Wolverhampton, WV3
Salary: £13.25 - £14.50 per hour (dependent on experience & qualifications)
Sleep-in Allowance: £55 per sleep
Contracted Hours: 168 hours per month
Shift Pattern: 2 days on / 4 days off
Driver Required: Yes
Contract Type: Permanent
About the Home
The service is a small, supportive children's residential home caring for up to 3 children and young people aged 8-17 with Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (SEBD). The home provides a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment focused on emotional wellbeing, stability, and positive long-term outcomes.
The service operates using the PACE therapeutic model of care, ensuring all interactions are relationship-based, trauma-informed, and child-centred.
The Role
As a Senior Residential Support Worker, you will play a key leadership role within the home, supporting children and young people with their emotional, social, and behavioural development. You will lead shifts, support staff practice, and ensure the delivery of high-quality, safe, and consistent care in line with regulatory and organisational standards.
Key Responsibilities
Care & Support
- Provide high-quality, child-centred care in line with individual care plans and therapeutic approaches
- Support children and young people with daily routines, emotional regulation, education, and social development
- Build positive, trusting, and professional relationships with children and young people
Leadership & Shift Management
- Lead shifts effectively, ensuring safe staffing levels and the smooth running of the home
- Act as a positive role model and mentor to Residential Support Workers
- Support the induction, supervision, and ongoing development of junior staff
Safeguarding & Compliance
- Always safeguard children and young people in line with legislation, policies, and procedures
- Maintain accurate, timely, and professional records, logs, and reports
- Work in line with Children's Homes Regulations, Quality Standards, and OFSTED expectations
Therapeutic Practice
- Apply the PACE therapeutic model consistently in daily practice
- Support staff to embed therapeutic and trauma-informed approaches
- Respond to challenging behaviour using positive behaviour support strategies
Partnership Working
- Work collaboratively with parents, social workers, schools, and other professionals
- Attend and contribute to reviews, meetings, and care planning sessions as required
Essential Requirements
- A minimum of 1 year's experience working as a Senior Residential Support Worker (or in a senior/shift-leading role) within a children's residential care setting
- Level 3 Diploma in Children & Young People or
Level 4 Children, Young People and Families Practitioner qualification - Experience supporting children and young people with SEBD
- Full UK driving licence
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, and behaviour management
- Ability to work a rota including long days, weekends, and sleep-ins
- Confident in leading shifts and supporting staff practice
Desirable
- Experience working within a therapeutic or trauma-informed service
- Knowledge of Children's Homes Regulations and OFSTED Quality Standards
- Experience mentoring or supporting staff development
What We Offer
- Competitive hourly rate with sleep-in allowance
- Structured shift pattern promoting work-life balance
- Supportive, therapeutic-focused working environment
- Opportunities for professional development and progression
