At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide care and support to young people with complex emotional needs in a therapeutic environment.
- Company: A leading organisation dedicated to fostering and supporting children across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, training opportunities, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or young people and a commitment to ongoing training.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, supportive team environment, and clear career progression.
The predicted salary is between 27248 - 29490 £ per year.
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £27,248 – £29,490 (up to £30,682 with progression)
Hours: 40 hours per week, shift work including weekends, bank holidays and occasional sleep-ins. Sleep-ins: £50 per session. Overtime/Bank Holidays: Paid at enhanced rates.
Locations: Ealing (W13) or Balham (SW12).
About Us
We have a strong history of providing fostering, children’s homes and leaving-care services across the UK and the Isle of Man. Our work is underpinned by therapeutic expertise, and we place young people at the centre of everything we do. We support children and young people who are unable to remain in their parental or foster placements, offering positive, life-changing experiences, education support and life-skills development. When you join us, you will receive a tailored development plan based on your goals. Whether you wish to progress into leadership, move services or develop further in your current role, we will support you throughout your journey.
The Role
As a Support Worker in a Children’s Home, you will provide direct care and support to young people aged 12–17 with complex emotional and mental health needs, including experiences of trauma and loss. Working within a therapeutic framework, you will build safe, trusting and professional relationships, support emotional regulation, and promote positive outcomes. You will be responsible for safeguarding young people, supporting daily routines, liaising with professionals, and completing accurate support and care documentation. For waking night roles, on-call management support is provided, along with monthly team meetings and one-to-one supervision.
About You
- Experience supporting children or young people in residential, fostering, semi-independent or youth work settings
- A willingness to achieve the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare within 2 years
- A genuine commitment to helping children and young people reach their full potential
- An understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries
- The ability to manage challenging behaviour effectively
- Great communication and teamwork skills
- Adaptability to work shifts, including weekends, bank holidays and sleep-ins
- A commitment to ongoing training and development
- Creativity, enthusiasm and resilience
What We Offer
- A paid 4-week induction and training programme
- Clear career progression and tailored development plans
- Industry-leading training, including Level 3 qualifications
- 25 days annual leave rising to 27 days, plus bank holidays (pro-rata)
- Contributory pension, enhanced maternity and sick pay
- Life assurance (3x salary)
- BUPA employee assistance programme
- Cycle to work scheme and Blue Light Card discounts
- Employee awards and funded training opportunities
Recruitment Process
Applications must be submitted via our online form and include a supporting statement addressing the Person Specification. CVs are not accepted. The process includes an online situational test, interview, and a home visit.
Closing date: 26 February 2026
Support Workers – Days and Night – Children’s Homes employer: TargetJobs UK
Contact Detail:
TargetJobs UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Workers – Days and Night – Children’s Homes
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research their values and mission, especially how they support children and young people. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the online situational test by familiarising yourself with common scenarios you might face as a Support Worker. Think about how you'd handle challenging behaviours and support emotional regulation.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your experiences! During the interview, highlight specific examples from your past work with children or young people. Show us how you've made a positive impact and how you can bring that same energy to our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to support young people in need.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Workers – Days and Night – Children’s Homes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start your application, take a moment to explore our website and get familiar with our mission and values. Understanding what we stand for will help you tailor your application to show how you fit into our team.
Craft Your Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make sure to address the Person Specification directly, highlighting your relevant experience and skills. We want to see how you can make a positive impact on the lives of young people.
Be Authentic: When writing your application, be yourself! Share your genuine passion for supporting children and young people. We value creativity and enthusiasm, so let your personality come through in your writing.
Follow the Application Process: Remember, applications must be submitted through our online form, and CVs won’t be accepted. Stick to the guidelines, and don’t forget to proofread your application before hitting send. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at TargetJobs UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Support Worker in a Children’s Home. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of young people aged 12-17 and the therapeutic framework mentioned in the job description. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience supporting children or young people. Think of specific examples where you've managed challenging behaviour or built trusting relationships. This will demonstrate your capability and commitment to helping young people reach their full potential.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Since this role involves liaising with professionals and working as part of a team, highlight your communication skills and ability to work collaboratively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked in a team setting or communicated effectively in past roles.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! This shows your interest in the role and the organisation. You might want to ask about the training opportunities available or how the team supports each other in managing challenging situations. It’s a great way to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position.