Experienced Residential Support Worker (RSW)

Location: West Midlands (Multiple locations)

Role Overview

We are seeking a compassionate, experienced, and dedicated Residential Support Worker to join our children's residential home. You will play a vital role in providing high-quality care and support to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, or other adverse life experiences. The successful candidate will be committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and stable environment where young people can thrive, develop independence, and achieve positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide consistent, child-centred care that promotes the physical, emotional, educational, and social development of each young person.
• Build positive, trusting, and professional relationships with children and young people.
• Support young people in achieving the goals outlined in their individual care plans.
• Promote positive behaviour through therapeutic approaches, de-escalation techniques, and positive role modelling.
• Maintain a safe and homely environment while ensuring safeguarding procedures are followed at all times.
• Assist with daily routines including personal care (where appropriate), meal preparation, education attendance, appointments, and recreational activities.
• Encourage and support independence, life skills, and emotional resilience.
• Work collaboratively with families, social workers, education providers, healthcare professionals, and other external agencies.
• Accurately complete daily records, incident reports, risk assessments, and other documentation to a high standard.
• Participate in care planning meetings, handovers, and team meetings.
• Administer medication in accordance with company policy and training.
• Support young people during challenging behaviours using approved behaviour management strategies.
• Participate in sleep-in duties, waking nights, weekends, bank holidays, and shift work as required.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with GDPR, safeguarding legislation, and company policies.

Essential Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years' experience working within a children's residential home.
• Good understanding of safeguarding procedures and child protection legislation.
• Experience supporting children with emotional and behavioural difficulties, trauma, or complex needs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
• Strong written skills for accurate record keeping.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently.
• Full UK driving licence (preferred or essential depending on the role).
• Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one).

Desirable Qualifications

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
• Training in safeguarding, first aid, medication administration, behaviour management, or therapeutic care.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice, attachment theory, and positive behaviour support.
• Experience working with children with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, or mental health needs.

Personal Qualities

• Compassionate and empathetic.
• Patient and resilient.
• Reliable and trustworthy.
• Positive role model.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Professional, respectful, and committed to safeguarding.
• Passionate about improving the lives of children and young people.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and overtime opportunities.
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training.
• Career progression opportunities.
• Supportive management and supervision.
• Pension scheme.
• Annual leave entitlement.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Blue Light Card eligibility (where applicable).
• Recognition and reward schemes.

Safeguarding Statement

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and compliance with safer recruitment practices. The successful candidate will be expected to share this commitment and uphold the highest standards of professional conduct.