Job Description

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality, child-centred care and support to children and young people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs. The Senior Support Worker will act as a role model for staff, support the day-to-day running of the home, and contribute to the delivery of safe, nurturing, and structured care in line with

Ofsted regulations, Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015

, and the home's Statement of Purpose.

Key Responsibilities

Care & Support

Provide consistent, safe, and emotionally responsive care to children and young people with learning disabilities and associated needs Promote independence, life skills, emotional wellbeing, and positive outcomes Implement and follow individual care plans, behaviour support plans, and risk assessments Support children with personal care, medication (where trained), education routines, and community activities Use trauma-informed, therapeutic, and positive behaviour support approaches

Safeguarding & Compliance

Safeguard and promote the welfare of children at all times in line with safeguarding procedures Follow all Ofsted requirements, policies, and statutory guidance including Keeping Children Safe in Education and Working Together to Safeguard Children*
Maintain accurate, timely, and high-quality records including daily logs, incident reports, and care documentation Act appropriately on concerns, incidents, or disclosures, escalating to management where required

Leadership & Shift Responsibility

Take lead responsibility on shift in the absence of the Manager or Deputy Support, guide, and mentor Support Workers to ensure consistent standards of care Delegate tasks appropriately and oversee shift handovers Model professional practice and uphold the home's values and expectations Support new staff, agency workers, and inductions as required

Medication & Health

Administer medication in line with training, policy, and MAR procedures Monitor children's physical and emotional health and report concerns promptly

Professional Practice

Maintain professional boundaries and act as a positive role model Attend team meetings, supervisions, training, and reflective practice sessions Contribute to care planning, reviews, and outcome-based approaches Support a culture of continuous improvement and reflective learning

Essential Requirements

Experience working with children or young people with learning disabilities, autism, or complex needs

Previous experience as a Senior Support Worker

OR

several years' experience as a Support Worker in a children's residential setting

Sound understanding of safeguarding and children's residential care standards Ability to work shifts including nights, weekends, and bank holidays Strong communication, record-keeping, and organisational skills Resilient, calm, and able to work effectively under pressure

Desirable / Qualifications

NVQ Level 3 / Diploma Level 3 in Residential Childcare, Health & Social Care, or equivalent (desirable)

Willingness to work towards NVQ Level 3 if not already achieved (essential)

Knowledge of Ofsted regulations and Children's Homes Quality Standards Experience supporting children with behaviours that challenge
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 14.00-14.50 per hour

Work Location: In person