Job Description

Karoo Group is seeking a

committed and confident Senior Support Worker / Crisis Support Worker

to join our children's residential care team in our solo provision home in Cambridgeshire.
This is more than a role -- it's an opportunity to take the lead in changing a young person's life trajectory.

Every day, you'll make a meaningful difference for a young person with complex emotional, behavioural, or mental health needs. You will deliver high-quality, trauma-informed care, provide critical crisis intervention support, and create an environment where the young person feels

safe, valued, and empowered to grow

.

As a Senior Residential Support Worker, you will

set the standard

, acting as a mentor, role model, and steady presence. Your leadership will ensure consistency, safeguard best practice, and inspire others to uphold the highest expectations of care.

Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Mentorship

Lead and motivate a small team of Residential Support Workers to deliver exceptional, child-centred care. Provide clear guidance, supervision, and developmental feedback. Model resilience, empathy, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding.

Crisis & Therapeutic Support

Deliver trauma-informed crisis interventions with calm, confident decision-making. Use evidence-based methods (including grounding techniques, de-escalation strategies, and PACE model principles) to support emotional stability. Work directly with young people experiencing trauma, attachment difficulties, or challenging behaviour.

Daily Living & Routines

Promote healthy routines, education, structure, and community participation. Support independence, personal development, and emotional wellbeing. Accompany the young person to appointments, education settings, and activities that build confidence and skills.

Safeguarding & Advocacy

Ensure the safety, protection, and welfare of young people at all times. Advocate for each young person's rights, wishes, and best interests. Maintain accurate records and uphold Ofsted and Regulation 44 requirements.

Positive Behaviour Support & PACE

Embed PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy) into every interaction. Promote Positive Behaviour Support to help young people achieve emotional regulation and long-term resilience.

Collaborative Working

Work in partnership with social workers, education providers, CAMHS, and multi-agency professionals. Support the Registered Manager with audits, compliance, and quality assurance.

Professional Development

Participate in reflective supervision, ongoing training, and continual professional development. Contribute to on-call duties and work flexibly across a rota including sleep-ins, evenings, and weekends.

About You

We are looking for a

caring, resilient, and motivated leader

who is passionate about transforming the lives of young people in residential care.

Essential:

QCF Level 3/4 in Residential Childcare (or equivalent), or willingness to work toward Level 5. Minimum 2 years' experience in a children's residential home or similar setting. Demonstrable leadership and mentoring skills. Experience supporting young people with challenging behaviours and emotional or mental health needs. Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle. Flexibility to work on a rota including sleep-ins and on-call duties. Ability to pass an enhanced DBS check and commitment to safeguarding.

Desirable:

Experience in crisis intervention, mental health, secure care, youth work, or social care. Background supporting young people with trauma, attachment difficulties, or complex emotional needs.

Why Join Karoo Group?

At Karoo Group, we believe every young person deserves a stable, nurturing, and therapeutic home environment. You'll join a skilled, trauma-informed team dedicated to providing consistent care and meaningful connections that change lives.

Employee Benefits

Casual dress Company pension On-site parking Staff referral bonus programme Ongoing training, supervision, and CPD opportunities

Job Type:

Full-time

Location:

Cambridgeshire, UK

Keywords:

Children's Residential Care | Crisis Support Worker | Senior Support Worker | Trauma-Informed Care | Mental Health Support | Residential Childcare | Cambridgeshire | Social Care Careers | Ofsted Registered Children's Home

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 37,440.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension On-site parking Referral programme
Work Location: In person