At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead shifts and provide emotional support to young people in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join a family-oriented residential home dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible pay, mental health resources, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values openness and respect.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people every day.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About The Company
Join our amazing Residential Home Team – Make a Difference Every Day! Our home is a warm, welcoming, and family-oriented residential setting supporting children with complex needs, including trauma and autism. We provide an environment where children can thrive, feel safe, and develop resilience. Our home can support up to four children, and they are all making fantastic progress and achieving their personal goals with the support of our dedicated team.
About The Role
As a Senior Support Worker, you’ll play a key leadership role in the daily running of the home. You will support the management team, lead shifts, mentor Support Workers, and provide high-quality, child-centred care. You’ll build strong relationships with young people, helping them develop resilience, independence, and confidence in a safe and supportive environment. This is a hands-on role where every day is different — and every day makes an impact.
What You’ll Do
- Provide direct care and emotional support to young people using a trauma-informed, relationship-based approach.
- Lead shifts, guide the staff team, and act as a positive role model.
- Support young people with routines, personal care, life skills, social activities, and education.
- Act as a key worker contributing to care plans, risk assessments, and personalised goals.
- Maintain high standards of safeguarding, safety, and compliance with Children’s Homes Regulations.
- Build effective relationships with families, schools, social workers, and other professionals.
- Support with records, reporting, handovers, and team meetings.
- Help create a safe, welcoming, family-like home environment where young people can thrive.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience working with children or young people (care, education, youth work, or similar).
- Confidence leading shifts and supporting a team.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding and trauma-informed practice.
- Resilience, empathy, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
- A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or willingness to complete).
- A positive, caring approach and commitment to our values.
Why Join Phoenix House?
- Be part of an exciting new service built on Outstanding foundations.
- Help shape a warm, supportive, high-quality home from the start.
- Work within a culture of openness, respect, and genuine teamwork.
- Opportunities for progression, training, and professional development.
- Make a meaningful difference every day to the lives of young people.
Our Core Values
- Supportive: Helping everyone reach their full potential.
- Ambitious: Striving for the best outcomes.
- Loyal: Prioritising our staff and the people we support.
- Unique: Innovating without compromising quality.
- Transparent: Fostering openness and mutual respect.
- Engaging: Partnering with everyone involved.
- Meaningful: Offering fulfilling opportunities.
Why Choose Us
- Emotional Support: 24/7 Employee Assistance, mental health resources, meditation apps, and bereavement support.
- Medical Support: Free Online GP access, Health Cash Plan, Cancer Cover, and Menopause support.
- Financial Support: Flexible pay with Wagestream, utility bill savings, Money Helper, and Life Assurance.
- Physical Support: Online workouts, Cycle to Work scheme, gym discounts, and National Trust activities.
Salutem Care and Education is dedicated to protecting and promoting the well-being of children, young adults, and vulnerable individuals. As part of our safer recruitment process, the successful candidate will be required to complete thorough pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS and, where applicable, overseas criminal record checks.
Senior Support Worker — Lead Shifts in Youth Care in Colchester employer: Salutem Care & Education
At Phoenix House, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for both our staff and the young people in our care. Our culture of openness and teamwork fosters professional growth, with ample opportunities for training and progression, while our comprehensive benefits package ensures that our employees feel valued and supported in all aspects of their lives. Join us in making a meaningful difference every day in a warm, family-oriented setting where your contributions truly matter.
Contact Details:
Salutem Care & Education Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Support Worker — Lead Shifts in Youth Care in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out their website and social media. This will help you understand their values and how you can fit in, making it easier to connect during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your storytelling skills! Think of specific examples from your experience that showcase your leadership and support skills. We want to hear about times when you made a real difference in someone’s life.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some thoughtful questions! Show your interest by asking about their approach to trauma-informed care or how they support staff development. It’ll make you stand out as a candidate who genuinely cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It’s a nice touch that shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Support Worker — Lead Shifts in Youth Care in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for working with young people shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives and how your experiences align with our values.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; share specific examples of how you've supported children or young people. We love hearing about your hands-on experience and how you've used trauma-informed approaches in your work.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the role of Senior Support Worker. Highlight your leadership skills and any relevant qualifications, like your Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, to show us you're the right fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Salutem Care & Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Senior Support Worker and the specific needs of children with trauma and autism. Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed care principles and be ready to discuss how you would apply them in real-life scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As you'll be leading shifts and mentoring other Support Workers, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or supported colleagues, highlighting your positive impact on both staff and young people.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with the interviewers. Use active listening skills and engage with their questions thoughtfully. Show your genuine passion for working with young people and your commitment to creating a safe, family-like environment.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your interest in the role and the organisation. You might ask about the team dynamics, opportunities for professional development, or how they measure success in supporting the children.
