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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
- Leadership & Shift Management
- 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
- Multi‑Agency Working
- Work in partnership with social workers, education providers, therapists and families
- Attend reviews and professionals meetings
- Maintain strong professional relationships with external agencies
- Administration & Compliance
- 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 peoples’ monies and home resources
- Home Environment
- Maintain a clean, safe and homely environment
- Support young people with daily routines, household tasks and meal preparation
- Report maintenance and health & safety concerns
- Personal Development
- Work towards QCF Level 5 in Leadership / Childcare (or equivalent)
- Engage in supervision, training and professional development
- Additional Duties
- 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 employer: SMarter Recruitment
Contact Detail:
SMarter Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Support Worker
✨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 about 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 recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've supported young people and led shifts. This will demonstrate your ability to provide the nurturing care they need.
✨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
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting young people shine through. We want to see why you care about this role and how your experiences have shaped your desire to make a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Support Worker position. Highlight relevant experience, especially your leadership skills and any work with young people facing challenges. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate when candidates communicate effectively, as it reflects the strong communication skills we value in this role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at SMarter Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the key responsibilities of a Senior Support Worker. Brush up on child-centred care, safeguarding practices, and how to implement care plans. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re serious about the role.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve led a team or managed a shift. Highlight how you supported staff and ensured a safe environment for young people. This will demonstrate your ability to lead from the front, which is crucial for this position.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life situations, like handling challenging behaviour or working with multi-agency teams. Think through your responses ahead of time, focusing on your problem-solving skills and emotional resilience.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready about the home’s approach to care or how they support staff development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
