At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with complex needs, providing care, encouragement, and emotional support.
- Company: Join Keys Group, a caring organisation dedicated to nurturing young people in a safe environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible shifts, training opportunities, and amazing discounts on everyday purchases.
- Other info: Full UK driving licence preferred; this role includes shifts and sleep-ins.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive and rewarding team.
- Qualifications: Experience in care is essential; we seek caring, resilient individuals with great communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 22700 - 30700 £ per year.
Job Title: Children’s Residential Support Worker – Complex Care
Location: Southampton
Salary: Starting from £14.05 per hour PLUS £62.64 per sleep in
Hours: Full‑time, 39 hours per week, shift pattern includes long days and sleep‑ins
Personal Care is required as part of this role.
Full UK driver’s licence is required.
Overview
We are looking for a resilient, nurturing support worker to care for young people with complex medical needs, learning disabilities and autism, including wheelchair users. The role involves encouraging, providing support through crisis, and fostering development.
Benefits
- Competitive salary (Real Living Wage minimum)
- Full induction and introductory programme
- Fully funded training and qualifications
- Enhanced pay scales for qualifications and experience
- Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
- Free wellbeing and life counselling service
- NEST pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Enhanced DBS check paid by the employer
- 28 days annual leave
- Staff referral scheme – split £500 referral bonus
- Progression opportunities
- Discount schemes – Hapi App and Blue Light Card for retailers, events, holidays
Qualifications & Experience
- Experience in care settings such as adult LD, SEN education, medical or nursing care, elderly care or work with vulnerable people (essential)
- Natural caring attitude, flexibility and resilience
- Passion for supporting children
- Physical ability to lift, use hoists and conduct manual handling
- Excellent communication skills, positive and energetic
- Ability to remain calm in challenging situations
- Full UK driving licence (beneficial)
- Flexibility to work shifts and sleep‑ins
Responsibilities
- Form part of a caring team providing a safe, loving home under a registered manager
- Act as a professional parent to give encouragement and praise
- Provide emotional and physical support to help children reach full potential in challenging situations
- Deliver medical support including physiotherapy routines, medication, PEG feeding, moving & handling, hoists and lifting equipment
- Build friendships and trust relationships
- Help children enjoy everyday tasks
- Maintain a safe home environment, including cleaning, laundry and cooking
Safeguarding Commitment
Keys Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone in our care. This post requires an enhanced DBS check.
Equal Opportunities & Armed Forces Covenant
Keys Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all community sections. We are proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and offer veteran‑friendly policies, a Veterans Peer Support Network and military awareness support.
We provide a guaranteed interview to eligible current and former service personnel who meet the role criteria. Applicants should detail military experience on CV.
Residential Support Worker - children & young people in Southampton employer: Keys Group
At Keys Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a nurturing environment for both our staff and the children we support. Located in Southampton, we offer competitive salaries starting from £27,580, comprehensive training, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing, including access to counselling services and generous leave policies. Our inclusive work culture fosters personal growth and progression opportunities, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in children's care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Support Worker - children & young people in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with complex medical conditions, learning disabilities, and autism. Understanding these challenges will help you demonstrate your empathy and readiness to support them during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have in care settings, especially with children or vulnerable individuals. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've positively impacted someone's life in a similar role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills by preparing to discuss how you handle challenging situations. Think of instances where you've remained calm under pressure and how you effectively communicated with both children and colleagues.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Keys Group and their commitment to safeguarding and supporting children. Being knowledgeable about their values and mission will allow you to align your answers with what they are looking for in a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Support Worker - children & young people in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Residential Support Worker. Highlight your relevant experience in care, especially with children and young people with complex needs.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job. Emphasise your caring nature, resilience, and any relevant qualifications or training in care, education, or support work.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting children and young people. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you can provide emotional and physical support in challenging situations.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure to mention key skills such as communication, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. If you have experience with medical support tasks like medication administration or manual handling, be sure to include that as well.
How to prepare for a job interview at Keys Group
✨Show Your Passion for Care
Make sure to express your genuine passion for supporting children and young people, especially those with complex needs. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to making a positive impact in their lives.
✨Demonstrate Resilience and Flexibility
Prepare to discuss how you handle challenging situations and remain calm under pressure. Provide examples of times when you've had to adapt quickly to changing circumstances, as this role requires a high level of resilience and flexibility.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Be ready to talk about your previous experience in care settings, particularly with children or vulnerable individuals. Discuss specific skills you've developed, such as manual handling or providing medical support, which are crucial for this position.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask the interviewer about the role and the organisation. This shows your interest and helps you understand the expectations better. Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and how they support staff wellbeing.
