Residential Children's Support Worker

Job Description (Summary)

Job Title: Residential Children's Support Worker (Trauma-Informed)
Location: Raynes Park
Salary: £13 per hour + Sleep in allowance (flexible working options available)
Reports To: Team Leader / Registered Manager

Purpose of the Role

To provide compassionate, trauma-informed care and support to children and young people living in a residential setting. The role focuses on understanding the impact of trauma, attachment difficulties, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and loss, helping young people feel safe, valued, and empowered to achieve positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide consistent, nurturing, and child-centred care within a safe residential environment.
• Build trusting relationships with children and young people through empathy, patience, and positive role modelling.
• Support young people to understand and manage emotions, behaviours, and relationships in a trauma-informed manner.
• Implement individual care plans, behaviour support strategies, and risk assessments.
• Promote emotional wellbeing, resilience, self-esteem, and independence.
• Support attendance and engagement with education, training, health appointments, and community activities.
• Use therapeutic and restorative approaches to manage challenging behaviours and conflict.
• Safeguard children and respond appropriately to concerns, incidents, and disclosures.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and daily logs in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Work collaboratively with families, social workers, therapists, education providers, and external professionals.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience supporting children and young people in residential care, education, social care, or a related environment.
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice, attachment theory, and child development.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to remain calm, resilient, and supportive when managing challenging situations.
• Flexible approach to shift work, including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins.

Desirable

• Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (or willingness to achieve).
• Experience working with children affected by trauma, abuse, neglect, exploitation, or placement breakdowns.
• Training in therapeutic, restorative, or attachment-led approaches.
• Full UK driving licence.

Key Competencies

• Empathy and emotional intelligence
• Patience and resilience
• Trauma-informed and therapeutic thinking
• Professionalism and integrity
• Problem-solving and adaptability
• Positive relationship-building skills

Overall Objective

To create a safe, stable, and nurturing home environment where children and young people who have experienced trauma can heal, develop positive relationships, build resilience, and achieve their full potential through consistent, therapeutic support.