Job Description

Shift Leader - Ofsted Registered Children's Residential Service (Merstham, Surrey)

Location:

Merstham, Surrey

Contract:

Full-time, Permanent

Salary:

32,500 - 36,300 per year (including 60 per night sleep-in payments)

Shift Leader | Senior Support Worker | Children's Residential Home | Ofsted Registered Residential Service

Are you an experienced

Residential Childcare Worker

,

Senior Support Worker

, or

Shift Leader

looking to develop your leadership career in an

Ofsted registered children's residential home

?

We are seeking a passionate and motivated

Shift Leader / Senior Support Worker

to join our

therapeutic children's residential service

in

Merstham, Surrey

. This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a leadership role where you can guide a team, support young people through life's key challenges, and make a genuine difference every day.

This is more than a job - it's a chance to build a meaningful career in

residential childcare

where your leadership has a lasting impact.

Why Join Our Children's Residential Service

Competitive Salary:

32,500 - 36,300 per year (including sleep-ins).

Structured Shifts:

Long-day and sleep-in rota (10:00am-11:00pm, sleep-in, 7:00am-10:30am), typically 2-3 shifts per week, with good rest time between.

Therapeutic Environment:

A calm and nurturing home setting on the edge of the Surrey Hills, surrounded by gardens and therapy animals to support emotional wellbeing.

Career Progression:

Clear development pathways to Deputy Manager and Registered Manager roles in children's residential care.

Training and Development:

Ongoing therapeutic and trauma-informed training to build your professional skills.

Values-Led Culture:

Join a supportive, trauma-informed team where children are at the heart of everything we do.

Your Role as Shift Leader / Senior Support Worker

As a

Shift Leader

in our

children's residential home

, you will play a vital role in leading a team of Residential Support Workers to deliver consistent, high-quality care and support to young people. You will ensure each shift runs smoothly and safely, maintaining structure and stability for the children in our care.

Key responsibilities include:

Leading and managing shifts to provide consistent and safe care. Supporting your team to deliver individualised, child-centred care plans. Promoting positive routines and behaviour through a therapeutic approach. Completing and reviewing care planning, behaviour management, and risk assessments. Organising and participating in recreational and therapeutic activities. Providing mentoring, supervision, and guidance to Residential Support Workers. Maintaining accurate records and compliance with

Ofsted regulations

. Taking part in reflective practice, supervision, and specialist training.

What We're Looking For

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)

- essential. Proven experience working in a

children's residential home

, ideally with shift-leading or senior responsibilities. A calm, confident, and compassionate leader with strong communication skills. Excellent safeguarding knowledge and a trauma-informed approach. Emotional resilience and the ability to respond effectively in challenging situations.

Full UK driving licence

- essential. Flexibility to work long-day and sleep-in shifts (2-3 shifts per week).

What You'll Gain

Salary:

32,500 - 36,300 (including sleep-ins).

Work-Life Balance:

A fair and consistent rota designed to promote rest and wellbeing.

Career Growth:

Opportunities to progress into senior and management roles.

Ongoing Training:

Access to reflective practice and therapeutic training.

Supportive Team:

A collaborative, values-led culture that recognises and supports strong leadership.

Pension scheme

and additional staff benefits. The opportunity to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of young people.

Apply Now - Step Into Leadership

If you are ready to progress your career in

residential childcare

, lead a team with purpose, and support young people to achieve brighter futures, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today with your CV and a short cover letter explaining why you are passionate about leadership in

children's residential care

.

Join our Ofsted registered children's residential service in Merstham and make a difference every day.

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