Senior Residential Care Worker in London

Our client provides a therapeutic residential service focused on achieving long-term positive outcomes for children through a specialist “Prep4Fostering” model. This service supports children who are currently in residential care or experiencing foster placement instability, helping them transition successfully into a family environment.

The Senior Residential Care Worker plays a key leadership role within the home, supporting the delivery of high-quality care while guiding and mentoring Residential Care Workers. You will lead shifts, ensure consistency of practice, and contribute to a safe, structured, and nurturing environment where children can explore their emotions and experiences. The home supports children aged 5–12 years, with placements typically lasting 12–18 months, with the aim of reintegration into a long‑term fostering family.

• Leadership & Shift Management

• Lead shifts effectively, delegating tasks and ensuring high standards of care.
• Support and supervise Residential Care Workers during shifts.
• Act as the senior on duty in the absence of the Home Manager and Deputy Manager.
• Mentor and support staff development, including allocated key workers.
• Promote consistency in practice and adherence to care standards.
• Ensure the home’s Statement of Purpose is consistently implemented.
• Maintain a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment.
• Build and model positive relationships with children to support attachment.
• Implement and oversee individual care plans and risk assessments.
• Maintain clear boundaries to provide stability and safety.
• Promote children’s emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, and identity.
• Safeguard children by recognising and responding to concerns appropriately.
• Support education, routines, and daily activities that aid development.
• Observe, record, and report on children’s progress and behaviour.

• Work alongside psychologists and clinical professionals to support therapeutic outcomes.
• Liaise effectively with external agencies such as schools and social workers.
• Contribute to care planning, reviews, and professional meetings.
• Support children in transitioning into foster placements.
• Work with prospective carers to ensure successful integration into family settings.

• Act as a role model and senior member of the team.
• Support and mentor Residential Care Workers in their roles and development.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and reflective practice sessions.
• Contribute to a positive and collaborative team culture.

• Maintain high standards of the home environment.
• Participate in daily household tasks and routines.
• Oversee health and safety processes, including risk assessments.
• Monitor and manage allocated budgets and expenditure responsibly.
• Support new staff through induction and mentoring in operational tasks.

• Engage in continuous professional development and training.
• Attend supervision, team meetings, and clinical sessions.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of best practices in residential childcare.
• Ensure all mandatory and online training is completed within required timescales.
• Adhere to safeguarding, equality, and whistleblowing policies.

• Experience working in residential childcare or a similar setting.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
• Ability to lead shifts and support a team effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviour in a calm and consistent manner.
• Willingness to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and sleep‑ins.
• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
• Previous senior or supervisory experience.
• Understanding of trauma‑informed or therapeutic care approaches.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• The role requires flexibility to meet the needs of the children and service.
• Full training and ongoing professional development.
• Clinical supervision and therapeutic support.
• Opportunities for career progression into leadership roles.