Senior Residential Care Worker
Location: Smeeth, Kent
Salary: From £27,033.24 - £37,557 (dependent on experience)
(Additional £52.50 per sleep-in)
Contract: 39 or 45-hour contracts available
About the Role:
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Residential Care Worker to join a children's residential team in Smeeth, Kent. The role involves providing high-quality care and support to young people who have experienced trauma, helping them build a brighter future while offering guidance and support to junior staff members. As a Senior Residential Care Worker, you will play an essential part in the care team, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment that supports the young people’s development and emotional well-being.
About You:
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people? Do you have an interest in children's mental health, psychology, or education? Are you ready to take on a leadership role and help guide a team of support workers?
We are looking for someone who is:
- Fun, kind, and reliable—a safe and approachable role model.
- Calm, creative, enthusiastic, and possesses a great sense of humor.
- A team player who enjoys supporting others and developing their skills.
- Physically fit and able to adapt to the demands of working hours around the needs of children.
- Resilient, emotionally aware, and able to stay level-headed in challenging situations.
- Able to look beyond behavior and understand the communication of need.
- Comfortable driving young people to appointments and activities using company vehicles.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide high-quality care for young people in the home, ensuring their safety, development, and well-being.
- Lead by example, mentoring and supporting junior staff in their roles and responsibilities.
- Assist in the development of life skills, social skills, and emotional well-being of the young people.
- Support children with emotional and behavioral difficulties, using positive approaches to foster personal growth.
- Ensure effective communication with the care team and external professionals.
- Follow all safeguarding procedures and adhere to company policies to maintain a safe environment.
- Take on sleep-in duties and support the children during night shifts.
- Support and assist in the transportation of children to activities, appointments, and other events.
Essential Requirements:
- The successful candidate should hold a Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People’s Workforce (or equivalent).
- Previous experience working in a residential care setting, particularly with children who have experienced trauma.
- Strong leadership skills, with a commitment to mentoring and guiding a team.
- Ability to work in a challenging environment and respond effectively to behavioral and emotional needs.
- A valid driving license and a willingness to use company vehicles to transport young people.
What We Offer:
- Salary: £27,033.24 - £37,557 (dependent on experience) + £52.50 per sleep-in.
- Working Hours: 39 or 45 hours per week contracts available.
- Holiday: 28 days holiday entitlement (inclusive of Bank Holidays), increasing to 30 days after 3 years of service.
- Career Progression: Opportunities for career development with company-funded qualifications up to and including Master’s level.
- Health Cashback Scheme: Covers you and up to four children.
- Pension Scheme: Company pension scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme: Access to a range of support services.
- Additional Benefits: Vouchers and discounts off retail, food, and entertainment, a cycle-to-work scheme.
How to Apply:
If you are ready to take on a senior role in a supportive, team-oriented environment and make a positive difference in the lives of children and young people, please submit your CV and application form. Upon submission, you will be provided with a job description and person specification.
Please note: We do not offer visa sponsorships. All applicants will be subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.