Full job descriptionJob title: Residential Support Worker
Service: Children’s residential home – emotional and behavioural support
Employer: Anima Residential Care Limited
Location: Erith/Slade Green
Reports to: Deputy Manager / Registered Manager
Hours: Full-time and part-time available; shift work including days, evenings, weekends, bank holidays and sleep-in duties
Contract: Permanent/Bank workers
Salary: 13.50 hourly
DBS: Enhanced DBS check (with Children’s Barred List) required
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Caring for the children
*Provide day-to-day care that meets each child’s physical, emotional, social and educational needs.
*Build positive, trusting relationships and act as a consistent, reliable adult in the child’s life.
*Support children through daily routines – getting up, meals, school, activities, bedtime – and encourage independence and life skills.
*Use a trauma-informed, nurturing approach (such as PACE – playfulness, acceptance, curiosity and empathy) to help children feel safe and understood.
*Help children manage their emotions and behaviour, de-escalating difficult situations calmly and using positive behaviour support strategies.
*Plan and take part in fun, meaningful activities, outings and interests that build confidence and self-esteem.
Safeguarding and wellbeing
*Promote and safeguard the welfare of every child, following the home’s safeguarding and child protection policies at all times.
*Recognise and report any safeguarding concerns, incidents or changes in a child’s presentation promptly and appropriately.
*Support children’s health needs, including attending appointments and following care plans and any medication procedures.
*Work within risk assessments and individual care plans, contributing to keeping these up to date.
Records and teamwork
*Keep accurate, timely and professional records – daily logs, key-working notes, incident reports and other documentation – to the standards expected by Ofsted and the home.
*Act as a key worker for individual children, helping to plan and review their care and progress.
*Work positively as part of a team, sharing information through handovers, meetings and supervision.
*Take part in training, supervision and team development to keep your practice safe and up to date.
ABOUT YOU
Essential
*A genuine passion for working with children and young people and helping them thrive.
*Patience, resilience, empathy and a calm, consistent manner, even in challenging situations.
*Good communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with children and colleagues.
*A willingness to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays and sleep-ins.
*A commitment to safeguarding and to treating children with dignity, warmth and respect.
*The right to work in the UK and willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check.
Desirable
*Experience of working with children or young people, particularly those with emotional and behavioural needs.
*A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or willingness to work towards it – we will support you to achieve this).
*Knowledge of trauma-informed care, attachment, PACE or positive behaviour support approaches.
*A full UK driving licence.
WHAT WE OFFER
*A supportive, friendly team and regular supervision.
*Full induction and ongoing training, including funded qualifications.
*Clear opportunities for career progression within the organisation.
*Sleep-in payments in addition to your salary.
*The chance to make a real and lasting difference to children’s lives.