At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children during waking nights, ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
- Company: Join Wokingham Borough Council, dedicated to improving the lives of young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, a local government pension, and access to a free gym.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience and training.
- Qualifications: QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare or willingness to obtain it; experience in social care preferred.
- Other info: Flexible hours available; part-time roles with opportunities for ongoing training.
The predicted salary is between 22700 - 27000 £ per year.
Employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Salary: £28,598 – £35,413 (Depending on experience, skills and qualifications)
Location: Wokingham
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Evenings/Flexible Hours/Full Time/Nights/Weekends
Hours: 37 hours per week.
DBS Check: Enhanced
Closing Date: 26/04/2026 at 23:00
Reference: 712861 / 712863
Children’s Residential Support Worker
Make a positive difference to young people!
Wokingham Borough Council has a range of fantastic opportunities for established, or aspiring Children’s Residential Support Worker’s to join our residential children’s home.
As a Children’s Residential Support Worker, you will play a vital role in supporting the delivery of a professional, child-centered service in accordance with the relevant regulations, legislation, and policy and procedures.
You will take on the role of a corporate parent, ensuring the welfare and safety of children and young people, and provide high-quality support to ensure the best outcomes.
We have a variety of opportunities available, so we’re keen to hear from experienced Support Workers with a children or young person background, as well as individuals with the transferable skills and the desire to positively impact young people\\\’s lives.
We can offer ongoing support and training, and the option to complete your QCF Level 3 upon successful completion of your probation period.
Key Responsibilities
- To take on the role of a corporate parent, providing our children and young people with love and direction.
- The ability to connect with and build meaningful relationships with children and young people who have had complex early lives.
- To take immediate action when the welfare or safety of children or young people is at risk.
- To ensure that the wishes, thoughts and feelings of our children and young people are advocated.
- Delivery of high-quality support and guidance in order to promote the best outcomes possible for children in placement.
- To support the Homes Manager to exceed expectations at Inspection and Regulation 44 visits in terms of delivering positive outcomes for young people.
- To be flexible and willing to do activities with the children and young people along with attending appointments.
Candidate Requirements
- Professional qualification in (recognised and current) QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare, or equivalent, or willingness to work towards this within the statutory timescales.
- The ability to engage with children and teenagers who have complex emotional needs.
- 2 years’ experience in Social Care is desirable.
- Ability to work the required shift patterns including weekends, overnights, late shifts and bank holidays.
This is an excellent opportunity to develop and advance to a Grade 6 once all progression criteria\\\’s have been met.
We can offer a host of great benefits including a generous annual leave entitlement, a local government pension scheme, employee assistance programme, discounts and much more!
Closing Date: Sunday 26th April 2026, 11pm
Interview Date: TBC
For an informal discussion, please contact – Victoria Wallace victoria.wallace@wokingham.gov.uk
Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.
If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.
Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.
If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.
We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.
Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.
How to apply
Please apply online via the link provided.
Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Children’s Residential Support Worker employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Wokingham Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Children’s Residential Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children and young people who have complex emotional backgrounds. Understanding their challenges will help you demonstrate your ability to connect with them during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have in social care, especially if it involves working with children or vulnerable individuals. Be prepared to discuss specific situations where you made a positive impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your willingness to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends. This role requires adaptability, so be ready to explain how you can manage your schedule to meet these demands.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Wokingham Borough Council's values and commitment to safeguarding. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs can set you apart as a candidate who truly cares about the welfare of children.
We think you need these skills to ace Children’s Residential Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Children's Residential Support Worker. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your skills and experiences align with the requirements.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your application to highlight relevant experiences, especially those that demonstrate your ability to connect with children and young people. Use specific examples from your past roles to showcase your skills in providing support and guidance.
Highlight Qualifications: Clearly mention any professional qualifications you hold, such as QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare. If you are willing to work towards this qualification, make sure to state that as well, as it shows your commitment to professional development.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial in a role that involves caring for children.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wokingham Borough Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Children's Residential Support Worker. Familiarise yourself with the key duties, such as providing a safe environment and building relationships with children. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in social care or any transferable skills that relate to working with children and young people. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've positively impacted the lives of those you've worked with.
✨Demonstrate Your Values
Wokingham Borough Council is looking for candidates who share their commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Be prepared to discuss your values and how they align with the council's mission. This could include your approach to building trust and ensuring safety.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. You might inquire about the training opportunities available or how the team supports each other in challenging situations.