Senior Support Worker - Children's Residential Home in London

Our client is seeking an experienced and dedicated Senior Support Worker to join their residential children’s home in West Drayton. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting young people with emotional, behavioural, and social needs, while acting as a positive role model and providing leadership to the staff team on shift. This role requires a committed individual who can balance hands-on care with responsibility for mentoring staff, maintaining high standards of care, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Duties, Day-to-Day Role & Responsibilities

• Care & Support Responsibilities
• Provide high-quality, child-centred care in line with each young person’s care plan, placement plan, and risk assessments.
• Act as a positive role model and establish professional, therapeutic relationships with children and young people.
• Support young people with daily routines, including education, health appointments, activities, and independent living skills.
• Respond appropriately to challenging behaviours using de-escalation techniques and agreed behaviour management strategies.
• Promote the emotional, physical, cultural, and social development of each young person.
• Administer and record medication in line with policies and training.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed at all times and report concerns in line with legislation and company policy.
• Leadership & Shift Management
• Lead shifts in the absence of the Team Leader or Deputy Manager.
• Provide guidance, supervision, and support to Support Workers on shift.
• Ensure smooth handovers and clear communication between staff teams.
• Assist in the induction, mentoring, and development of new staff.
• Monitor and maintain a safe, structured, and nurturing environment.
• Compliance & Record-Keeping
• Accurately complete daily logs, incident reports, and other required documentation.
• Contribute to care planning, reviews, and progress reports.
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted regulations, Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, and organisational policies.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and supervisions as required.

Requirements

• Experience & Practical Knowledge
• Minimum 12 months’ experience working in a residential children’s home (desirable: as a Senior or experienced Support Worker).
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and trauma-informed care.
• Experience supporting children and young people with complex needs, emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD), or challenging behaviours.
• Ability to lead by example, manage shift dynamics, and support less experienced staff.
• Mandatory & Essential Training
• Safeguarding Children (Level 2 or higher).
• First Aid (or willingness to complete).
• Medication Administration.
• Health & Safety and Fire Safety (Additional training can be provided by the employer where required).
• Qualifications
• Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England) – desirable.
• Applicants who do not yet hold the Level 3 qualification must be willing to enrol and complete it within required timescales.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths – desirable.
• Right to Work & Immigration Status
• Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.
• This role is full-time and the employer does not offer visa sponsorship or Certificates of Sponsorship at this time.
• Proof of right to work will be required prior to employment.

Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications. Full-time, permanent employment with stable shift patterns. Ongoing training and professional development opportunities. Support to gain the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (if not already held). Clear progression pathways into Team Leader, Deputy Manager, and Management roles. Regular supervision and access to experienced management support. Enhanced skills development in leadership, safeguarding, and residential care practice. Supportive, inclusive, and values-driven working environment. Holiday entitlement and additional staff benefits in line with company policy.