Support Worker (Children & Young People Residential Care)

Location: Croydon, South London
Salary: Up to £31,454.80 per annum (depending on site)
Hours: 40 hours per week
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

Are you passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people?

Our client is seeking dedicated and compassionate Support Workers to join their Residential Children’s Homes, supporting young people aged 11-18 with a range of emotional, behavioural, and special educational needs. This is a rewarding opportunity to help young people build confidence, develop independence, and achieve their personal goals within a safe and nurturing environment.

About the Role

As a Support Worker, you will play a vital role in providing high-quality care and support to children and young people living in a residential setting. You will work closely with colleagues, managers, and external professionals to ensure each young person receives the guidance and encouragement they need to thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day care, support, and guidance to children and young people.
• Promote a safe, nurturing, and positive living environment.
• Support young people with daily routines, education, homework, life skills, travel training, and money management.
• Encourage positive behaviours and help young people achieve their individual goals.
• Safely manage challenging behaviours, including physical intervention when required and appropriately trained.
• Maintain accurate records, support plans, risk assessments, and medication documentation.
• Support medication administration processes and conduct medication audits.
• Attend team meetings and contribute to care planning and service development.
• Work collaboratively with families, social workers, schools, and other professionals.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, Ofsted, and regulatory requirements.

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Experience working in a residential care, care home, educational, or support setting.
• Experience supporting young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
• NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or willingness to work towards this qualification).
• Safeguarding Level 2 training.
• Excellent communication and active listening skills.
• Strong organisational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
• A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable children and young people.

Desirable

• Experience working with children aged 11-18.
• Experience supporting young people with complex or challenging behaviours.
• Physical Intervention Training.
• Relevant degree relating to children, young people, or social care.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Full UK Driving Licence and willingness to obtain business insurance.

Available Services

Residential Children’s Home A

• Salary: £31,454.80 per annum
• Hours: 40 hours per week
• 5-bed home supporting children aged 11-18
• Shift Pattern:
  • Days: 7:00am – 7:00pm (handover to 7:30pm)
  • Nights: 7:00pm – 7:00am (handover to 7:30am)
• 4 working days followed by 3 days off

Residential Children’s Home B

• Salary: £29,051.80 per annum
• Hours: 40 hours per week
• 4-bed home supporting children aged 11-18
• Shift Pattern:
  • 6:00am – 2:00pm (handover to 2:30pm)
  • 2:00pm – 10:00pm (handover to 10:30pm)
  • 10:00pm – 6:00am (handover to 6:30am)
• 5 working days followed by 2 days off

Safeguarding

The successful candidate will be working with vulnerable children and young people. Therefore, all offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references, an Enhanced DBS check, and safer recruitment procedures.

Recruitment Process

Successful applicants will be invited to attend an Assessment Day which includes a pre-screening interview and practical assessment activities.

Upcoming Assessment Dates:

• 19 August
• 26 August
• 2 September
• 9 September

Following the assessment day, shortlisted candidates will be invited to a panel interview.

Apply Now

If you’re a caring, resilient, and motivated individual looking to build a rewarding career supporting children and young people, we’d love to hear from you. Submit your CV today to be considered for the next assessment day.