Senior Residential Care Worker
Location:South Staffordshire
Responsible To: Home Manager
Basic Salary: £29,000 per annum
Sleep-in Rate: £62.75 per sleep-in
Typical Sleep-ins: 7+ per month
Our client provides a therapeutic residential service focused on achieving long-term positive outcomes for children through a specialist “Prep4Fostering” model. This service supports children who are currently in residential care or experiencing foster placement instability, helping them transition successfully into a family environment.
The Senior Residential Care Worker plays a key leadership role within the home, supporting the delivery of high-quality care while guiding and mentoring Residential Care Workers.
You will lead shifts, ensure consistency of practice, and contribute to a safe, structured, and nurturing environment where children can explore their emotions and experiences.
The home supports children aged 5–12 years, with placements typically lasting 12–18 months, with the aim of reintegration into a long-term fostering family.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Shift Management
Lead shifts effectively, delegating tasks and ensuring high standards of care.
Support and supervise Residential Care Workers during shifts.
Act as the senior on duty in the absence of the Home Manager and Deputy Manager.
Mentor and support staff development, including allocated key workers.
Promote consistency in practice and adherence to care standards.
Professional Childcare Practice
Ensure the home’s Statement of Purpose is consistently implemented.
Maintain a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment.
Build and model positive relationships with children to support attachment.
Implement and oversee individual care plans and risk assessments.
Maintain clear boundaries to provide stability and safety.
Promote children’s emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, and identity.
Safeguard children by recognising and responding to concerns appropriately.
Support education, routines, and daily activities that aid development.
Observe, record, and report on children’s progress and behaviour.
Therapeutic and Multi-Agency Working
Work alongside psychologists and clinical professionals to support therapeutic outcomes.
Liaise effectively with external agencies such as schools and social workers.
Contribute to care planning, reviews, and professional meetings.
Support children in transitioning into foster placements.
Work with prospective carers to ensure successful integration into family settings.
Teamwork and Staff Development
Act as a role model and senior member of the team.
Support and mentor Residential Care Workers in their roles and development.
Participate in team meetings, supervision, and reflective practice sessions.
Contribute to a positive and collaborative team culture.
Household and Operational Responsibilities
Maintain high standards of the home environment.
Participate in daily household tasks and routines.
Oversee health and safety processes, including risk assessments.
Monitor and manage allocated budgets and expenditure responsibly.
Support new staff through induction and mentoring in operational tasks.
Personal and Professional Development
Engage in continuous professional development and training.
Attend supervision, team meetings, and clinical sessions.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices in residential childcare.
Ensure all mandatory and online training is completed within required timescales.
Adhere to safeguarding, equality, and whistleblowing policies.
Person Specification
Essential
Experience working in residential childcare or a similar setting.
Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
Ability to lead shifts and support a team effectively.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to manage challenging behaviour in a calm and consistent manner.
Willingness to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins.
Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
Previous senior or supervisory experience.
Understanding of trauma-informed or therapeutic care approaches.
Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
The role requires flexibility to meet the needs of the children and service.
Benefits
Full training and ongoing professional development
Clinical supervision and therapeutic support
Opportunities for career progression into leadership roles
- Experience
- Not required
- Employment
- Full-time
Old Gloucester Road, BS16 1GW, Bristol
Children's Residential Home • 1-10 Employees
Hiring on JOB TODAY since July, 2026
Are you passionate about making a genuine difference in the lives of children? Whether you already have experience in residential childcare, children's homes, supported accommodation, foster care, education, or health and social care, this
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