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- Tasks: Lead a team in providing care for young people with emotional needs.
- Company: Supportive children's residential home in South London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing training, and clear career progression.
- Other info: Join a positive team culture and enjoy flexible shift patterns.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Diploma in Children & Young People and experience in residential care.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 32000 £ per year.
Location: South London
Salary: £30,000 – £32,000 per annum
Hours: Full-time, shift-based (including evenings, weekends)
The Role
We are recruiting an experienced Senior Support Worker to join a children's residential home supporting young people with emotional and behavioural needs. This is a hands-on role combining direct care with leadership responsibility, acting as a positive role model for both young people and the wider staff team. You will play a key part in creating a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where children can thrive, while ensuring high standards of care, safeguarding, and compliance are consistently met.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality, child-centred care in line with care plans and risk assessments
- Act as a shift lead, supporting and guiding Support Workers on duty
- Build positive, trusting relationships with young people and promote their emotional wellbeing
- Support young people with daily routines, education, activities, and life skills
- Assist with the administration and recording of medication (where trained)
- Maintain accurate and timely records, including daily logs and incident reports
- Ensure safeguarding procedures and policies are followed at all times
- Work closely with Managers, external professionals, and families
- Support the induction, mentoring, and development of new staff
- Contribute to a positive, professional team culture and lead by example
About You
- Minimum Level 3 Diploma in Children & Young People (or equivalent)
- Previous experience working in a children's residential setting
- Confident leading shifts and supporting junior staff
- Strong understanding of safeguarding, trauma-informed care, and child development
- Calm, resilient, and able to manage challenging behaviour appropriately
- Excellent communication and record-keeping skills
- Flexible to work a rota including sleep-ins
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Supportive management team and clear progression pathways
- The opportunity to make a genuine, lasting difference to young people's lives
Safeguarding
This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and full compliance checks in line with safeguarding regulations.
Senior Support Worker in Croydon employer: YourRecruit
Contact Detail:
YourRecruit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Support Worker in Croydon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the care sector, especially those who work with children. They might know about openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to child care and safeguarding. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight specific examples of how you've positively impacted young people's lives in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love hearing from passionate candidates like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Support Worker in Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Support Worker role. Highlight your experience in children's residential settings and any leadership roles you've had, as we want to see how you can lead shifts and support junior staff.
Showcase Your Passion: In your cover letter, let us know why you're passionate about working with young people. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in their lives or how you've supported their emotional wellbeing in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep your language clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at YourRecruit
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the key responsibilities of a Senior Support Worker. Brush up on child development, safeguarding policies, and trauma-informed care. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a shift lead, you’ll need to guide and support junior staff. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully led a team or mentored others. This will demonstrate your capability to take charge and foster a positive team culture.
✨Build Rapport with the Interviewers
Remember, this role is all about building trusting relationships with young people. Use the interview to showcase your interpersonal skills. Be friendly, approachable, and engage with your interviewers as if they were the young people you’d be supporting.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life situations you might face in the role. Think about how you would handle challenging behaviours or emergencies. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills during the interview.