Key Worker / Senior Support Worker (Childrens Residential) in London

Key Worker / Senior Support Worker (Childrens Residential) in London

London Full-Time 24300 - 29700 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children in a residential setting, delivering tailored care and building nurturing relationships.
  • Company: Kennedy and Elliott Partnership LLP, dedicated to improving young lives through trauma-informed care.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, professional development, enhanced holidays, and a range of employee benefits.
  • Other info: Join a passionate team focused on achieving exceptional outcomes for young people.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience with young people, emotional intelligence, and a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.

The predicted salary is between 24300 - 29700 £ per year.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

All positions are subject to rigorous safer recruitment checks; including referencing and enhanced background checks.

About Us

Kennedy and Elliott Partnership LLP provides therapeutic group living settings rooted in trauma-informed care.

We recognize the impact that past relationships and experiences have on children’s present lives, and we support them in overcoming challenges by fostering safe, supportive relationships within a stable and secure environment.

We are seeking committed residential children’s home staff who share our passion for improving young people’s lives to join our teams.

This is your opportunity to be a consistent and compassionate role model, supporting children to reach their full potential.

Your resilience and trauma-informed, reliable approach will strengthen our committed teams as they strive to achieve exceptional outcomes for young people while maintaining the highest standards of Ofsted compliance.

Core Duties

  • Deliver tailored care plans that address each child’s individual needs, goals, and day-to-day wellbeing
  • Build trusting, nurturing relationships that ensure children feel safe, listened to, and respected
  • Provide daily care and support with routines, education, interests, and household responsibilities, acting as co-key worker where required
  • Collaborate effectively with team members and external professionals to promote a consistent and holistic approach to care
  • Keep clear, accurate records of daily wellbeing, significant incidents, and interventions using IT and reporting systems
  • Senior Support Worker
  • Oversee the safe and effective operation of shifts, offering guidance to colleagues and serving as the first point of contact for any day-to-day concerns
  • Take on the role of primary Keyworker for assigned young people, leading the development, implementation, and formal review of their Care Plans
  • Use trauma-informed and attachment-focused approaches to provide emotional support and foster positive, nurturing relationships
  • Manage challenging behaviours proactively through positive behaviour support strategies and, where required, carry out safe and approved physical interventions
  • Act as the central point of liaison with Social Workers, schools, healthcare professionals, and families
  • Ability to build trusting, warm, and consistent relationships with children and young people, particularly those who may be disengaged or guarded.
  • Strong emotional intelligence, resilience, and the ability to remain calm, reflective, and persistent when working with trauma-related behaviours.
  • Excellent organisation and planning skills, with the ability to manage actions, follow up on agreed goals, and maintain accurate records.
  • Outcome-focused practice: candidates can help move children towards identified personal, behavioural, educational, or independence goals.
  • Ability to deliver purposeful one-to-one keywork sessions and translate daily interactions into measurable progress.
  • Good professional communication and confidence liaising with schools, social workers, families, and external professionals.
  • Reflective practitioners who can accept feedback, adapt practice, and remain accountable for children’s development.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or willingness to complete within 2 years).

Whilst residential childcare experience is welcomed, the priority is securing Keyworkers with the personal competencies to engage children effectively, build positive relationships, and drive sustained progress rather than candidates who only meet traditional senior task requirements.

  • UK Driving License
  • Experience supporting young people with complex needs (1 year)
  • Trauma-Informed care experience or knowledge
  • Knowledge of therapeutic models (PACE, Attachment Theory etc)
  • Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Why Join Us

  • Competitive Compensation depending on skills, qualifications and experience
  • Progression Opportunities and Professional Development through funded Ofsted-recognised qualifications and continuous training
  • Enhanced holiday allowance
  • Mintago Employee Benefits Scheme, including: 200+ retail discounts, Virtual GP, EAP, Financial Wellbeing Support, Gym Discounts & Elderly Care Support.
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr

Key Worker / Senior Support Worker (Childrens Residential) in London employer: Kennedy Elliott Partnership LLP

Kennedy and Elliott Partnership LLP is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing work environment that prioritises the well-being of both staff and the children in their care. Located in London, the company provides extensive professional development opportunities, including funded qualifications and continuous training, alongside a competitive compensation package and a range of employee benefits. With a strong commitment to trauma-informed care and a culture that promotes growth and support, this role as Night Team Leader is not just a job, but a chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people.

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Contact Details:

Kennedy Elliott Partnership LLP Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Key Worker / Senior Support Worker (Childrens Residential) in London

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 Kennedy Elliott Partnership LLP.

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 Kennedy Elliott Partnership LLP!

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 Kennedy Elliott Partnership LLP, 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 Kennedy Elliott Partnership LLP 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 Key Worker / Senior Support Worker (Childrens Residential) in London

Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Flexibility
Compassion
Adaptability
Teamwork
Organizational Skills

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 Kennedy Elliott Partnership LLP:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Kennedy Elliott Partnership LLP! 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 Kennedy Elliott Partnership LLP

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.