Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and nurture young people, helping them develop independence and positive behaviours.
- Company: Apple Orchard, a caring organisation with a focus on youth development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, employee discounts, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for career progression in a nurturing setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people, Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare preferred.
The predicted salary is between 31432 - 33497 £ per year.
Company: Apple Orchard
Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Contract: Full time, permanent
Starting Salary: Base salary of £31,432.09, with the potential to earn up to £33,112.09 with sleep in shifts. Salary after probation: Base salary of £32,817.82, with the potential to earn up to £34,497.82 with sleep in shifts.
Specific Hours: Approx 40 hours per week - shift pattern
Benefits:
- Company pension
- £35 per sleep in (one per week, approx. 48 weeks per year)
- Access to our Exchange Employee Discount Scheme
- Access to wellbeing support through our Exchange Provision
- Opportunities for promotion and career progression
About Apple Orchard:
Apple Orchard operates five residential homes across Surrey and West Sussex, each set in peaceful rural locations and providing a warm, homely environment for boys aged 12-18. Our aim is to help young people make sense of their past experiences and move forward positively. We provide safe boundaries, achievable goals and supportive strategies such as reward systems and structured free time. Central to our work is a high level of nurturing care. We ensure every young person's basic needs are met and create a friendly, supportive atmosphere where strong, positive relationships and healthy attachments can grow.
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.
Essential Skills:
- Experience working with teenage boys or young people with challenging behaviours, with a willingness to continue developing your skills.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (rural location - no public transport).
- Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare/Health & Social Care (or willingness to work towards it).
- Ability to engage young people in activities and support them toward independence and adulthood.
- Flexibility to work days, evenings and weekends on a shift rota (every other weekend off).
- Ability to set firm, consistent boundaries and respond calmly to challenging behaviour.
- Strong teamwork skills and willingness to follow handovers and delegated tasks.
- Ability to follow policies and procedures confidently.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to listen, engage and build positive relationships.
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, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker in Sussex employer: Apple Orchard
Contact Detail:
Apple Orchard Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker in Sussex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the childcare sector, especially those who work at Apple Orchard or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on what they’re really looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to residential childcare. Think about your experiences with young people and how you’ve handled challenging situations. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for working with young people! During interviews, share stories that highlight your nurturing approach and how you’ve made a positive impact in previous roles. Let your enthusiasm for the job come through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Apple Orchard team and making a difference in young people's lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker in Sussex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker role. Highlight your experience with young people, especially those with challenging behaviours, and show how your skills align with our nurturing approach at Apple Orchard.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how they’ve helped you in real-life situations. Talk about specific instances where you've engaged young people or supported their development, as this will resonate with us and our mission.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand, so make sure your key points stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details directly and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the position there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Apple Orchard
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand Apple Orchard's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to supporting young people and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and can contribute positively.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past work with young people, especially those with challenging behaviours. Highlight how you've successfully engaged them in activities or supported their independence. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Apple Orchard values teamwork, so be prepared to talk about how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Share instances where you’ve supported colleagues or worked together to achieve a common goal. This will illustrate your ability to fit into their team dynamic.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training opportunities available for staff or how they measure the success of their programmes. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your commitment to professional development.