At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people, teach life skills, and provide a safe, nurturing environment.
- Company: SWAAY, a leader in residential care for traumatised youth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, fully funded training, private healthcare, and employee support programmes.
- Other info: Join a diverse team with a commitment to personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your own skills.
- Qualifications: Empathy, resilience, and a desire to help; NVQ Level 3 or 4 preferred but not required.
The predicted salary is between 27600 - 29000 £ per year.
Location: Bracknell
Job Type: Full time
Contract Type: Permanent
Earn £27,600 - £29,000 including sleep ins | Full Training Provided | Career Changers Welcome | Full Time & Part Time Available | 6 Week Rolling Rota
Hourly Rate: £12.80 - £13.48 per hour (depending on experience and qualifications) + sleep ins
Shifts: 3pm - 11pm, 10am - 11pm, sleep ins. 6 week rolling rota for stability.
Looking for a career where you can make a lasting impact, take on meaningful challenges and build long-term professional skills? Work together with us to re-parent traumatised young people, supporting them to achieve their aspirations, whilst we support you to achieve yours!
What you'll do as a Residential Support Worker:
- Provide stability and act as a positive role model for young people
- Maintain clear and consistent boundaries so young people feel safe and secure
- Teach practical life skills: cooking, budgeting, preparing for independence
- Encourage hobbies, positive routines and healthy lifestyles
- Support emotional and behavioural development through trauma-informed approaches
- Celebrate achievements and personal milestones
- Recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns
No two days are the same; some are incredibly rewarding, some are challenging but you are not expected to manage alone. You will work within a team and receive regular training, guidance and supervision.
An NVQ Level 3 or 4 in Residential Childcare is desirable but if you don't yet hold this qualification, we will fully fund and support you to achieve it.
You’ll make a great Residential Support Worker if you:
- Are able to communicate clearly and respectfully
- Respond with patience
- Are resilient and reflective
- Are reliable - the young people you support are relying on you for consistency
- Have flexibility to adapt to changing needs
- Want a career with purpose and impact
Many of our team members joined us from careers in retail, hospitality, the armed forces, education, mental health support and youth work bringing valuable life experience that helps our young people feel understood and supported.
At SWAAY, we don’t just provide residential care - we create homes where children feel safe, valued and understood. We are proud of our child-centred approach and commitment to trauma-informed practice. For over 30 years, we have delivered specialist residential care, education and therapy for young males aged 11-18 who have experienced significant trauma and displayed harmful sexual behaviour. Our work focuses on reducing risk, addressing complex needs and empowering young people to move forward into safe, responsible and fulfilling adult lives.
Interested in a career change that matters? For more information or an informal conversation, contact our team.
Why work with us?
- Fully funded training - NVQ Level 3 Diploma or Level 4 Apprenticeship in Residential Childcare.
- Specialist therapeutic training including trauma-informed and attachment-informed practice (DDP)
- Regular supervision and reflective practice
- Private Healthcare
- Health Cash Scheme
- Confidential Employee Advice Programme providing wellbeing support, financial and legal advice, coaching and more
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Death in Service benefit
- Access to Blue Light Discount
- Length of Service Bonus
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Meals provided whilst on shift
SWAAY is committed to safeguarding children. This position is subject to an enhanced DBS clearance and satisfactory references in line with safer recruitment practices.
Our success is built on those who work with us! SWAAY is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce, celebrating each individual's uniqueness. SWAAY have a zero tolerance to any form of discrimination and harassment.
Residential Support Worker in Reading employer: SWAAY
At SWAAY, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through fully funded training and regular supervision, ensuring that you are equipped to succeed in your role as a Residential Support Worker. Located in Bracknell, we offer a range of benefits including private healthcare, a health cash scheme, and a commitment to diversity, making it a rewarding place to build a fulfilling career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Support Worker in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of residential support work. Attend local events or join online groups where you can connect with others who share your passion for helping young people. You never know who might have a lead on a job or some insider tips!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to residential support work. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your empathy and resilience during interviews. Share personal stories that highlight your ability to connect with young people and handle challenging situations. Remember, it’s all about demonstrating your passion for making a difference in their lives!
✨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 and making a positive impact in the lives of young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Support Worker in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what motivates you to work with young people.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for. Show us why you're a great fit for the Residential Support Worker role!
Show Your Passion:We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference in young people's lives. Share any relevant experiences or stories that demonstrate your commitment to supporting others.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and get you on the path to joining our amazing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at SWAAY
✨Know Your Why
Before heading into the interview, take a moment to reflect on why you want to be a Residential Support Worker. Think about your motivations and how your past experiences, whether in retail, hospitality, or any other field, can translate into this role. Being able to articulate your passion for helping young people will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
Empathy is key in this role, so prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to connect with others. Think of situations where you've supported someone through a tough time or helped them achieve their goals. Sharing these stories will highlight your suitability for the position and show that you understand the importance of emotional support.
✨Understand Trauma-Informed Care
Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed approaches before the interview. Research what it means to work with traumatised young people and be ready to discuss how you would apply these principles in practice. This knowledge will not only impress the interviewers but also show that you're serious about making a positive impact.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the training opportunities available, the team dynamics, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
