Senior Residential Care Worker

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.
• Therapeutic and Multi-Agency Working
  • 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.
• Teamwork and Staff Development
  • 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.
• Household and Operational Responsibilities
  • 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.
• Personal and Professional Development
  • 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.