Trauma-Informed Children's Support Assistant, Entry Level in Bracknell

Reporting to the Children's Home Manager. Salary: £28-32,000 per annum. With 33 days annual leave, ethical workplace pension, wellbeing benefits, training and development opportunities and career progression.

Are you considering a career supporting children who need stability, care and belonging? Hygge’s therapeutic children’s homes provide a warm, family-style environment for children who have experienced trauma, instability or loss. Our aim is to help children experience safety, connection and everyday family life.

This entry level role is designed for people who want to begin a career in residential childcare. You will work alongside experienced colleagues, learning how to support children through play, routines and relationships. Our work is grounded in generosity, curiosity and courage, grounded in compassion, empowerment and relational practice, with playfulness and warmth at the centre of daily life in the home.

About Us: In our Hygge community, you will meet others from a wide range of backgrounds and professions. Yet, what binds us together is our unwavering dedication and commitment to our shared values. Together, we celebrate small victories, share moments of laughter, offer support in times of need and pause for a cup of tea (and a homemade brownie) to catch a breath. As we continue to grow our team, we are dedicated to creating a supportive environment where everyone feels heard, valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive team. We believe that the power to make a difference lies within each individual, regardless of their background, age or previous experiences.

Position Overview: At Hygge, we believe in the power of compassion and resilience. Our therapeutic homes for children are dedicated to providing a warm and supportive environment where every child feels safe, valued and empowered. We are committed to fostering growth and healing through a trauma-informed approach.

As an Assistant Children’s Support Worker you will support the team in providing a safe, caring and structured home environment. You will learn how to support children with daily routines, emotional regulation and positive relationships. Over time you will develop the skills required to become a fully qualified Children’s Support Worker. This role involves learning on the job, shadowing experienced staff, completing training and working towards the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, which we will support you to complete unless you have a relevant degree or equivalent qualification.

Key responsibilities:

• Supporting daily life in the home

• Help maintain a warm, welcoming and well organised home environment.
• Support children during daily routines including meals, activities and bedtimes.
• Preparing meals, shared household tasks and everyday family life.
• Encourage children to participate in play, outdoor activities and creative experiences.

• Spend time with children through play, conversation and shared activities.
• Support children to feel welcome and comfortable in the home.
• Help children learn routines and expectations within the house.
• Show patience, kindness and consistency when children feel anxious or unsettled.

• Learn about trauma-informed care and relational approaches to behaviour.
• Observe and practise how experienced staff support children through emotional moments.
• Develop skills in helping children regulate and feel safe.

• Help welcome new children into the home.
• Support settling-in routines and help children learn the rhythms of the house.
• Provide reassurance and practical support during early transition periods.

• Support calm bedtime routines such as baths, reading and quiet time.
• Assist with reassuring children who struggle to sleep or feel unsettled at night.
• Participate in sleep-in shifts as part of the team rota once trained.

• Work alongside experienced staff and follow guidance from shift leaders.
• Attend team meetings, training sessions and reflective discussions.
• Learn how the team works together to provide safe and consistent care.

• Learn how to record observations and daily events.
• Support colleagues with documentation and reporting where appropriate.
• Develop confidence using digital recording systems over time.

• Be active and engaged with children during play, activities and daily routines.
• Support staff during emotionally heightened situations while maintaining a calm presence.
• Learn safe ways to support children when they are distressed or dysregulated.

What We Offer:

• A competitive salary of £28-32,000 per annum, based on experience and qualifications.
• Annual Leave Entitlement of 33 days, inclusive of bank holidays.
• Generous workplace ethical pension.
• Access to the Blue Light Card providing discounts to hundreds of retailers and venues.
• Access to our Pirkx Benefits Package, offering a wide range of perks and services including online GP and physio consultations, 24/7 counselling, employee assistance programs, health and eye care benefits, as well as discounts on retail, leisure and entertainment activities.
• Access to a coach and regular personal and group supervision sessions, providing guidance, support and mentorship as you navigate your career journey with us.
• Access to a variety of professional development opportunities tailored to enhance your skills and expertise, empowering you to excel in your role and beyond.
• Following one year of good performance we will work with you to develop a personalised reward and recognition plan; we want to make sure that we are rewarding you in a way that works best for you.
• You will also enjoy access to home-cooked meals, unlimited tea, fresh fruits and biscuits. Plus, we all like baking!

What we are hoping for from you:

Essential:

• Interest in working with children and young people.
• A caring, patient and empathetic nature.
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Reliability and good communication skills.
• Willingness to work shifts including evenings, weekends and sleep-ins.
• Commitment to completing the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent.

Desirable:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject.
• Experience in residential care, education, youth work or therapeutic environments.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice, attachment theory or therapeutic parenting.
• Understanding of safeguarding processes and statutory frameworks.
• Confidence with digital recording systems.

Personal qualities:

You will:

• Bring warmth, humour and patience to everyday life in the home.
• Stay calm and thoughtful even during difficult moments.
• Believe every child deserves belonging and possibility.
• Balance kindness with clear boundaries.
• Be reflective about your own practice and open to learning.
• Contribute to a culture where staff support each other as well as the children.
• Be creative, solution focused and always playful at heart.
• Know that taking a moment for tea and homemade brownies can sometimes be what is needed - the form filling can wait until later.
• Will be just as comfortable pulling on slippers whilst in your PJs and a hoodie for a late-night heart-to-heart with a worried child as you are playing outdoors.

Other Requirements:

• Flexibility to work overnight shifts (incl. weekends and holidays).
• Enhanced DBS clearance.
• Full drivers licence.

While your presence is essential to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children, we recognise that team members also have personal responsibilities and family commitments. When routine or life events arise, we aim to approach these with understanding and will work with you to find practical and reasonable solutions wherever possible.

Non-smoking and non-vaping environment. Hygge’s homes are entirely non-smoking and non-vaping environments. To protect children’s health and to model positive behaviours, staff must not smoke or vape while on duty, during sleep-ins or anywhere on the home or car premises at any time. Staff are expected to present as non-smoking and non-vaping to children and young people.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children and be part of a dedicated team that strives to create a therapeutic and nurturing environment. If you are passionate about helping children heal, grow and thrive, we would love to hear from you!