Senior Children's Support Worker

Senior Children's Support Worker – Ofsted Therapeutic Residential Home

Location: Tottenham, N17

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £31,200 – £32,200 per year

Shifts: Days, evenings, weekends and sleep-ins

Are you an experienced Residential Childcare Practitioner ready to progress into a Senior Support Worker, Shift Leader or Team Leader role? We are recruiting a Senior Residential Support Worker / Shift Leader to join our Ofsted-regulated therapeutic children's home in Cheshunt. This is an excellent opportunity to step into a leadership position within a trauma-informed residential setting, supporting staff while helping young people aged 10–17 with emotional and behavioural needs achieve stability, growth and positive long-term outcomes.

If you are passionate about delivering high-quality residential childcare, developing others and making a meaningful difference to young people's lives, this role offers a strong platform for career progression.

Why This Role Stands Out

Lead with Purpose

Take responsibility for shift leadership, supporting colleagues and ensuring safe, structured and child-centred care.

Make a Real Impact

Every shift you lead contributes directly to emotional recovery, personal development, independence and brighter futures for children and young people.

Supportive, Values-Driven Culture

Join a reflective, collaborative team that prioritises staff wellbeing, supervision and ongoing professional development.

Balanced Working Pattern

A structured rota with days, evenings, weekends and sleep-ins, offering variety and a positive work–life balance.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Support for Young People

• Build positive, trusting and therapeutic relationships
• Support daily routines including meals, activities, education, appointments and family contact
• Apply trauma-informed and child-centred care approaches
• Monitor emotional wellbeing, behaviour and progress against placement plans
• Engage with families, professionals and external agencies to ensure coordinated care

Leadership and Team Support

• Lead 3–4 shifts per week as the senior practitioner on duty
• Deliver effective handovers, manage tasks and mentor Residential Support Workers
• Promote a reflective, professional and child-focused team environment

Safeguarding and Behaviour Monitoring

• Respond appropriately to incidents, safeguarding disclosures and risk concerns
• Lead debriefs and support emotional regulation after challenging situations
• Monitor behaviour and safeguarding patterns to contribute to safer care

Operational and Compliance Duties

• Oversee medication, health and safety checks and shift documentation
• Audit daily logs, incident reports, care plans and keywork records
• Ensure all practice and documentation meet Ofsted requirements

What We're Looking For

• Minimum 2 years' experience in a children's residential setting or similar environment
• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or working towards completion)
• Experience leading shifts, mentoring colleagues or supporting team development
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, trauma-informed practice and risk management
• Confident, calm and resilient leadership style
• Excellent communication, decision-making and organisational skills
• Full UK driving licence – preferred

What You'll Receive

• Salary: £31,200 – £32,200 per year
• Clear progression routes into Deputy Manager and Registered Manager roles
• Comprehensive training in trauma-informed practice, therapeutic residential care and leadership skills
• Supportive management with reflective supervision and continuous CPD
• A values-led and inclusive team culture where staff are supported and developed
• The personal and professional reward of helping young people build stability, confidence and future success

Apply Today

If you are ready to take the next step in your residential childcare career, lead with purpose and support young people to reach their full potential, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please apply with your CV to be considered for the Senior Support Worker role in Cheshunt.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £15.00-£15.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Referral programme

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (preferred)
• DBS Certificate registered to the Update Service (preferred)
• NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare (preferred)

Work Location: In person