At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead shifts and provide emotional support to children in a therapeutic home.
- Company: Compassionate organisation focused on high-quality, trauma-informed care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, flexible benefits, and 28+ days annual leave.
- Other info: Strong management support and clear progression opportunities in a growing organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare and 2 years' experience in childcare.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 39400 € per year.
Location: Exeter
Salary: £31,000 – £39,400 + Sleep-ins + Overtime
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Hours: Shift-based (including evenings, weekends & sleep-ins)
Overview
We are recruiting for a compassionate and experienced Senior Residential Support Worker to join a therapeutic children’s home in Exeter. This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a leadership role within a supportive, values-driven environment focused on delivering high-quality, trauma-informed care. You’ll play a key role in supporting children and young people who have experienced trauma, helping them build confidence, develop life skills, and achieve positive outcomes.
The Role
As a Senior Residential Support Worker, you will lead shifts, support and mentor staff, and ensure the highest standards of care are consistently delivered. You’ll act as a positive role model within the home, contributing to a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where young people can thrive. You’ll also work closely with the management team, with opportunities to step up and support at Deputy Manager level when required.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide day-to-day care and emotional support to children and young people
- Lead shifts and maintain high standards of practice
- Support, mentor, and guide Residential Support Workers
- Contribute to care plans, risk assessments, and placement planning
- Promote positive behaviour using therapeutic approaches (including PACE)
- Ensure all safeguarding concerns are identified, recorded, and reported appropriately
- Maintain accurate records, logs, and reports
- Work collaboratively with the wider team to uphold quality and compliance
- Support the ongoing development and improvement of the home
About You
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent in Children & Young People)
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in residential childcare
- Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection
- Experience leading shifts and supporting staff
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- Passionate about delivering child-centred, trauma-informed care
- Resilient, empathetic, and reliable
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable
- Previous senior or supervisory experience
- Additional training (e.g. Team Teach, First Aid)
Salary & Benefits
- Salary: £31,000 – £39,400 per annum
- 169 contracted hours per month (£15.30 per hour)
- Average 10 sleep-ins per month paid at £70 per shift (£8,400 annually)
- Overtime paid at 1.5x hourly rate
- Bonus opportunities
- Pension contributions
- 28 days annual leave rising to 35 days
- Additional day off for your birthday
- Flexible benefits package
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Blue Light Card discounts
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Free meals on shift
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing training
- Monthly supervision and strong management support
- Clear progression opportunities within a growing organisation
If you’re a dedicated Senior Support Worker looking to take the next step in a supportive, therapeutic environment, we’d love to hear from you.
Senior Support Worker - Children's Home in Exeter employer: RJS Resourcing Ltd
Join a compassionate and values-driven team as a Senior Residential Support Worker in Exeter, where you will have the opportunity to lead shifts and mentor staff while providing high-quality, trauma-informed care to children and young people. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will benefit from comprehensive training, clear progression opportunities, and a supportive work culture that prioritises your well-being and professional development. Enjoy competitive salary packages, flexible benefits, and a nurturing environment that empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those you support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Support Worker - Children's Home in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the childcare sector, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to trauma-informed care and leadership. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using mock interview tools to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for child-centred care during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted young people's lives in your previous roles. This will help you stand out as a compassionate candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for dedicated individuals like you to join our network of values-driven organisations.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Support Worker - Children's Home in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for working with children and young people shine through. We want to see how your experiences have shaped your desire to provide trauma-informed care and support.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Support Worker. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in leading shifts and mentoring staff, as well as any specific training you've completed that aligns with our values.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, you can ensure your application reaches us quickly and you’ll have access to all the latest opportunities we have available.
How to prepare for a job interview at RJS Resourcing Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the key responsibilities of a Senior Support Worker. Brush up on trauma-informed care and the PACE approach, as these will likely come up in conversation. Being able to discuss how you’ve applied these principles in your previous roles will show you’re the right fit.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading shifts and mentoring staff, be prepared to share specific examples of when you’ve taken charge in a challenging situation. Highlight your experience in supporting and guiding others, and how you’ve contributed to a positive team environment.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Resilience
This job is all about supporting children who have faced trauma, so it’s crucial to convey your empathy and resilience during the interview. Share stories that illustrate your ability to connect with young people and how you’ve handled difficult situations with compassion.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about the home’s approach to care, team dynamics, or opportunities for professional development. It shows you’re genuinely interested and invested in the role.
