At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with emotional and behavioural difficulties while leading a dedicated team.
- Company: Join Habicare, a values-driven organisation committed to high-quality residential care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, medical insurance, 25 days leave, and funded qualifications.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and a strong focus on wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in residential care and relevant childcare qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 26712 - 32648 £ per year.
As a Senior Residential Support Worker at Habicare, you’ll take on a key role in supporting children and young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD), while also providing guidance and support to the wider staff team. You’ll help lead by example, delivering high-quality, therapeutic and child-centred care within a safe and nurturing environment. Working directly with the children, you’ll build trusting relationships, promote positive routines and help them develop the emotional and practical life skills they need to thrive.
In addition to your frontline responsibilities, you’ll also support the Deputy and Registered Manager in mentoring junior staff, overseeing shifts and contributing to the ongoing development of the home. This role requires compassion, resilience and leadership. No two days will be the same, but every day offers a chance to make a lasting impact in a child’s life.
You will:
- Take operational leadership of shifts, directing and supporting the RSW team
- Deliver trauma informed, child centred care using PBS and the ARC Framework
- Support the Registered Manager and Deputy on placement stability, behaviour and progress in education, emotional health, identity and independence
- Advocate for the children, contribute to care planning and multi agency work and make sure the child's voice is heard and acted on
- Mentor junior staff and model the standard you want to see
- Produce clear written records and handovers
- Work a rota across full day shifts, weekends, bank holidays and sleep-ins
Habicare is looking for talented people to join its flagship children's home supporting children with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD), which was rated Good at our first inspection. Our leadership team brings experience from both residential care and business management, with a strong emphasis on professional development, accountability and ethical practice. Coral House is our flagship service and we’re committed to setting a new standard in residential childcare.
We are a values-driven organisation focused on building a high-performance culture where young people feel safe, empowered and prepared for life beyond care. Our HABI-values drive everything we do:
- Home for All: We provide more than a place to live, we create a home. Through emotional warmth, consistent care and trusted relationships, every child should feel accepted, nurtured and grounded in a sense of belonging.
- Aspire for Greatness: We encourage each child to dream boldly and grow confidently. With personalised support and a relentless focus on progress, we help young people realise their potential and thrive in life beyond care.
- Bravery in Action: We foster a culture where both children and staff are empowered to be honest, take responsibility and stand up for themselves and others. Bravery means trying new things, learning from mistakes and using your voice, even when it’s difficult.
- Impossible is Nothing: Our trauma-informed approach enables children to understand their past, develop emotional resilience and recognise that no challenge is insurmountable. We help them uncover their inner strength and believe in a future where anything is possible.
The quality of our care is paramount to the service we are offering and we're looking for motivated and talented people who can reflect our values in practice to join the team. If this sounds like you, read on!
Experience Required: 2+ years’ experience working within a Residential Children’s home.
Qualifications/Education Required: Achieved the Level 3/4 Diploma for Residential Childcare or a qualification that the registered provider considers to be equivalent. Enhanced DBS Check. DBS update service. A relevant qualification in social work, social care, psychology or childhood studies. A full UK driving licence. We do not require specific GCSEs. If you can do the job and record it well, we want to talk to you.
Sponsorship: We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. You must hold existing right to work in the UK.
Salary/Benefits:
- Medical insurance: We recognise the importance of your physical, mental and emotional strength with private medical cover to ensure the highest standards of care.
- 25 days annual leave + recognised bank holidays
- Regular Supervisions and Appraisals: Ongoing feedback and support to help you grow and thrive.
- Team Meetings: Share your ideas, have your voice heard and shape the direction of the home.
- Wellbeing Support: Access 24/7 confidential support and guidance through our Employee Assistance Programme.
- Paid Training: Get paid to complete sector-leading training that supports your role and future progression.
- Funded Qualifications: We fully fund a range of recognised QCF diplomas to help you build your career and earn more.
- Career Progression: We’re committed to your development, offering clear progression routes.
- Full Induction: A comprehensive induction programme will give you the confidence and tools to succeed from day one.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Habicare Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share that commitment. Appointment is subject to satisfactory enhanced DBS and reference checks.
Senior Residential Support Worker (Children's Home) in Oxford employer: Habicare
At Habicare, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to nurturing both our staff and the children in our care. Located in Headington, Oxford, our flagship children's home offers a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development, with opportunities for career progression through funded qualifications and comprehensive training. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying benefits like private medical insurance, generous annual leave, and 24/7 wellbeing support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Residential Support Worker (Children's Home) in Oxford
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Habicare.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Habicare!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Habicare, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Habicare or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Residential Support Worker (Children's Home) in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Habicare:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Habicare! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Habicare
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
