At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support young people in a nurturing environment, helping them reach their full potential.
- Company: Apple Orchard provides a homely setting for young males aged 12-18, focusing on their development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company pension, employee discounts, and wellbeing programmes.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with every other weekend off; driving licence required due to rural location.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while working in a supportive team culture.
- Qualifications: Experience with teenagers and a relevant qualification or willingness to obtain one is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30223 - 31223 £ per year.
Apple Orchard Location:
Horsham, West Sussex Contract:
Full Time, Permanent Salary:
Up to £36,427.61, including sleep in shifts, dependent on performance and experience Specific Hours:
Approx. 40 hours per week - shift pattern Benefits: Competitive salary and sleep-in allowances (£35 per night, typically one per week) Every other weekend off Fully funded qualifications and professional development Clear promotion pathways and career progression Company pension Access to employee discount and wellbeing programmes Do you want a role where every day you can help a child feel safe, supported and more hopeful about their future? At Apple Orchard, our Senior Residential Support Workers play a vital role in creating calm, caring and therapeutic homes for children who have experienced trauma, disruption or difficult life experiences. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is caring, resilient and committed to making a lasting difference. You do not need to have worked in residential childcare before; if you bring the right values, attitude and willingness to learn, we will provide a full induction, hands-on support, ongoing training and the development you need to build confidence and succeed in the role. Why join Apple Orchard? Competitive salary with regular sleep-in payments A healthy work-life balance, including every other weekend off Full induction, ongoing training, regular supervision and fully funded qualifications Clear career progression, including routes into senior and leadership roles Supportive managers, experienced colleagues and a team culture where you will not be expected to learn alone Company pension, employee discounts and wellbeing support Practical support to complete your Level 3 qualification and develop your confidence in therapeutic residential care About Apple Orchard: Apple Orchard runs five residential children's homes across Surrey and West Sussex, providing calm, therapeutic environments for boys aged 12-18. Many of the children we support have experienced trauma or disruption, and our homes are designed to help them feel safe, build trust and develop the confidence they need for the future. You will be part of a dedicated team that values compassion, consistency, resilience and teamwork. This is a role where small moments matter - from helping a child manage a difficult day to celebrating progress, building confidence and supporting them towards greater independence. Duties and responsibilities: Lead on meeting each young person's care, welfare and development needs Plan engaging activities that support learning, independence and positive behaviour Ensure practice complies with legislation, policies and Children's Homes Regulations Support and guide Residential Support Workers, ensuring policies and risk assessments are followed Record and report young people's progress accurately, including key events and life book updates Work collaboratively with placing authorities, parents/carers and other professionals Support daily routines in the home, including helping with domestic tasks when required Work with the Manager and team to uphold the home's ethos and raise concerns appropriately Maintain clear, accurate and non-judgemental written records What We're Looking For: Essential: A genuine passion for making a positive difference in children's lives A caring, resilient and patient approach, with the ability to stay calm under pressure Flexibility to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends and sleep-ins Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle, due to the rural location of some homes Helpful but not essential: Experience working with children, care, education, youth work, mental health, residential services or similar settings Level 3 Residential Childcare/Families Practitioner/Health & Social Care qualification, or willingness to work towards it Strong written and verbal communication skills A team-focused attitude, good sense of humour and emotional resilience Confidence following procedures, writing reports and contributing to care plans Ready to apply? If you are compassionate, reliable and ready to help children feel safe, supported and able to achieve their potential, we would love to hear from you. Apple Orchard is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. PandoLogic. Category:Personal Care, Keywords:Child Care Worker, Location:Horsham, ENG-RH13 0RQ
Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker employer: Apple Orchard
Apple Orchard is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a competitive salary alongside generous sleep-in allowances. With a supportive work culture in Guildford, Surrey, employees benefit from fully funded qualifications and opportunities for professional growth, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in residential childcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of teenage boys and the challenges they face. Understanding their backgrounds and behaviours will help you connect better during interviews and demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have in residential childcare or working with young people. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've supported individuals in similar situations, as this will show your capability and commitment.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Apple Orchard and its philosophy. Knowing about their approach to care and support will allow you to align your answers with their values, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your flexibility and willingness to work varied hours, including weekends and evenings. This is crucial for the role, so demonstrating your readiness to adapt will strengthen your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience working with young people, particularly teenage boys or those with challenging behaviour. Emphasise any qualifications you hold, such as the Residential Childcare Diploma or NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for supporting young people and detail how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully engaged with young people in the past.
Showcase Your Understanding of Policies:Demonstrate your knowledge of relevant legislation and guidelines, such as the Children’s Act and Ofsted guidance. This shows that you are well-informed and prepared to uphold the standards required in this role.
Highlight Teamwork and Flexibility:Since the role requires working as part of a team and being flexible with hours, provide examples of your teamwork skills and your ability to adapt to changing situations. This will reassure the employer of your suitability for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Apple Orchard
✨Show Your Passion for Childcare
Make sure to express your genuine interest in working with young people, especially those who have faced challenges. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to support their development and well-being.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Relevant Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Children’s Act, Children’s Homes Regulations, and Ofsted guidelines. Be prepared to discuss how these regulations impact your approach to care and how you would ensure compliance in your role.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Since this role involves working closely with other staff members, be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated in a team setting. Discuss how you handle conflicts and support your colleagues in achieving common goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate questions that may ask how you would handle specific situations involving challenging behaviour or emotional crises. Think through your responses and consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
