Job Description

Senior Support Worker - Children's Therapeutic Residential Home (Ofsted Regulated)

Location:

Merstham, Surrey

Contract:

Full-time, Permanent

Salary:

32,500 - 36,300 per year (including sleep-in payments)

Lead. Support. Transform.

Are you an experienced Residential Childcare Practitioner looking to progress into a senior role? We are recruiting a Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner to join our Ofsted-regulated therapeutic children's home in Merstham, Surrey. This is a chance to step into leadership, shape young lives, and continue developing your professional career in residential childcare.

As a Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner, you will lead shifts, supervise and mentor a dedicated staff team, and deliver high-quality, trauma-informed support for children and young people. You will help create a safe, stable and nurturing home where every child feels valued, understood and supported to achieve positive outcomes.

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about residential childcare, ready to progress into leadership, and committed to supporting children and young people to heal, grow and thrive.

Why Join Us

Work-Life Balance with a Structured Rota

Our consistent long-day and sleep-in shift pattern (10:00am-11:00pm, sleep-in, 7:00am-10:30am) provides a predictable working rhythm of 2-3 shifts per week, including protected rest time between shifts.

Competitive Salary and Career Growth

Earn 32,500-36,300 per year (including sleep-ins), with clear progression routes into senior and management roles as our organisation continues to grow.

Therapeutic and Supportive Environment

Work in a warm, therapeutic home located in the Surrey countryside, complete with gardens, outdoor space and therapy animals that support emotional regulation and wellbeing.

A Team That Values Professionalism and Purpose

Join a trauma-informed team culture that prioritises collaboration, reflective practice and delivering the highest standards of residential childcare.

Key Responsibilities

Lead shifts to maintain a safe, structured and nurturing residential environment Provide consistent, high-quality child-centred care tailored to individual needs Contribute to care plans, risk assessments and behaviour support strategies Coordinate therapeutic, educational and recreational activities Mentor and support Residential Childcare Practitioners to promote best practice Maintain accurate and compliant records in line with Ofsted requirements Participate in reflective practice, supervision and ongoing professional development

What We're Looking For

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) - essential Experience working in a children's residential care setting Experience leading shifts or supervising staff Strong understanding of safeguarding and trauma-informed practice Effective communication, leadership and decision-making skills Emotional resilience and ability to support young people with complex needs Full UK driving licence - essential Willingness to work long-day shifts with sleep-ins (2-3 per week)

What You'll Receive

32,500-36,300 per year including sleep-in payments A rota designed to support healthy work-life balance A full induction plus ongoing therapeutic and professional training Clear career progression into management roles Supportive, reflective and values-driven team culture Pension scheme and additional staff benefits The reward of helping young people move towards brighter futures

Apply Today

If you are committed to delivering exceptional residential childcare, ready to step into a senior role and motivated to make a lasting difference for children and young people, we would love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter explaining why you are the ideal candidate for the Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner position in Merstham, Surrey.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 32,500.00-36,300.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension On-site parking Referral programme
Experience:

Residential Childcare: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

UK Driving Licence (required) NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare (preferred)
Work Location: In person