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- Tasks: Lead and support a team in providing therapeutic care to young people with complex needs.
- Company: A dedicated residential children's home focused on nurturing and safeguarding youth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Caring for Children & Young People and experience with challenging behaviour.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to safeguarding and promoting youth welfare.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58800 £ per year.
Salary: £42,000 per annum (inclusive of sleep-in rate)
Location: Derby
Reports to: Residential Manager
Liaises with: Registered Manager, Deputy Manager, Care Staff, Education Teams, Therapists and External Professionals
Job Purpose
As a Senior Support Worker, you will play a key leadership role in delivering high-quality, therapeutic care to young people aged 12-17 with emotional, behavioural and complex needs. You will lead shifts, support and supervise staff, and ensure young people receive consistent, safe, and nurturing care in line with regulatory standards and the home's Statement of Purpose. You'll be hands-on, organised, emotionally resilient, and calm under pressure - the kind of person who can lead from the front while keeping the environment safe, structured, and genuinely homely.
Key Responsibilities
- Care & Safeguarding
- Provide consistent, child-centred care that supports emotional, physical and social development
- Safeguard the welfare of young people at all times in line with legislation and best practice
- Implement care plans, risk assessments and behaviour support strategies
- Promote structure, boundaries and positive behaviour
- Ensure young people attend education, therapy and statutory appointments
- Act as a positive role model and trusted adult
- Lead shifts and coordinate staff deployment
- Supervise, mentor and support care staff on shift
- Support the induction and development of new team members
- Ensure clear handovers and consistent care approaches
- Maintain therapeutic standards and promote professionalism
- Work in partnership with social workers, education providers, therapists and families
- Attend reviews and professionals meetings
- Maintain strong professional relationships with external agencies
- Maintain accurate daily records, incident reports and case notes
- Contribute to statutory review reports and care documentation
- Handle telephone enquiries appropriately
- Support financial accountability for young people's monies and home resources
- Maintain a clean, safe and homely environment
- Support young people with daily routines, household tasks and meal preparation
- Report maintenance and health & safety concerns
- Work towards QCF Level 5 in Leadership/Childcare (or equivalent)
- Engage in supervision, training and professional development
- Participate in the on-call rota
- Provide cover for sickness and holidays
- Support the Registered and Deputy Manager as required
Person Specification
Essential
- NVQ Level 3 in Caring for Children & Young People (or equivalent)
- Experience supporting young people aged 12-17 with challenging behaviour
- Experience leading shifts and supervising staff
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent understanding of safeguarding and child protection
- Emotional resilience and ability to maintain professional boundaries
- Flexible to work shifts, nights, weekends and bank holidays
Desirable
- Level 4 or 5 qualification in Health & Social Care
- Experience supporting young people with ASD, mental health or emotional/behavioural difficulties
- Experience completing LAC documentation and attending reviews
- Full UK Driving Licence
Safeguarding Commitment
We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS, references and safer recruitment checks.
Senior Support Worker in Melton Mowbray employer: SMarter Recruitment
Contact Detail:
SMarter Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Support Worker in Melton Mowbray
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the care sector, especially those who work with young people. They might know of openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to safeguarding and leadership. We all know that being calm under pressure is key, so role-play scenarios to show off your emotional resilience.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! When chatting with potential employers, share specific examples of how you've led shifts or supported young people with challenging behaviour. It’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Support Worker in Melton Mowbray
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Support Worker role. Highlight your experience with young people, especially those with emotional and behavioural needs, and show us how you can lead a team effectively.
Showcase Your Skills: We want to see your strong written and verbal communication skills in action! Use clear examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to support and supervise staff while maintaining a nurturing environment for young people.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who is emotionally resilient and calm under pressure, so share stories that reflect these qualities and your passion for working with children.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at SMarter Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the job description and the key responsibilities of a Senior Support Worker. Brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, and the specific needs of young people aged 12-17. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Support Worker, you'll be leading shifts and supervising staff. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed challenging situations. Highlight your ability to mentor others and maintain a positive environment, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations involving young people with emotional or behavioural challenges. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and demonstrate your problem-solving skills effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how the home implements its Statement of Purpose. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values.
