Job Description

Residential Support Worker

Salary: £25,949 per annum,

Location: Hamilton, South Lanarkshire

Contract/Hours: Permanent, Full Time 37 hours per week, Part Time – 8, 16 or 22 hours will also be considered, flexibility with working hours,

Closing date for applications is midnight of Wednesday 30th September, and interviews are schedule to take place on Thursday 1st October and Friday 2nd October

Benefits:

• Over 7 weeks inclusive paid leave and the option to buy or sell leave 
• Excellent training and the opportunity to undertake professional training for some roles
• Flexible maternity, paternity and adoption packages 
• Up to 5% employer contribution and life assurance cover 
• Blue Light Card eligibility with discounts at 15,000 national retailers 

At Action for Children, we offer more than just a job. Join us and you’ll be part of a team dedicated to giving children safe and happy childhoods. See how your skills can make a real difference, helping solve the problems children and young people face every day.

A bit about the role

We’re really excited to share that our service is growing, and we’ll now be offering long‑term residential placements as well as our well‑established short break respite care. This means you’ll be joining a team that supports young people and their families in even more meaningful ways, helping us make a lasting difference in their lives.

Due to service development we are now looking for a Residential Support Worker, in this role, you’ll be there to support and encourage young people, help them manage challenges safely, build resilience, and make sure their wellbeing always comes first. Your commitment to person‑centred care and strong social care values will play a huge part in creating positive, long‑term change for the children and young people we work with.

If you’ve previously worked in a care setting and feel ready to take the next step in your career, our Residential Support Worker role could be a great fit. The hours also make this a fantastic opportunity for students or anyone wanting to ease back into social care.

About the Service 

At our Silverton short break and long term residential service, we support children and young people aged 5 to 18 who have disabilities, making sure they have fun, feel included, and get the most out of their time with us. We focus on helping them try new things, build confidence, make friends, and get involved in their community in ways that feel good for them.

We also give parents and carers a much needed breather, knowing their child is in a safe, caring, and welcoming space. It’s a chance to make a real difference in the lives of the young people we work with — and their families too.

What you do could make a difference

Some of the main things you’ll be doing as a Residential Support Worker include:

• Taking the lead on care planning — assessing situations, reviewing progress, and helping manage any risks.
• Working closely with other agencies and keeping families updated with clear, thoughtful reports and information.
• Attending important meetings, like reviews or court‑related discussions, to make sure the young person’s voice is heard.
• Making sure our young people feel safe, supported, and cared for while they’re living away from home.
• Helping with day‑to‑day routines and supporting their overall health, happiness, and wellbeing.
• Working alongside keyworkers to keep each young person’s plan up to date and meaningful.

Let’s talk about you

Are you someone who stays strong under pressure and takes change and challenge in your stride? Ideally, you’ll bring:

• An HNC in Social Care (or equivalent), plus an SVQ3 in Social Care – Children and Young People, or be happy to work towards it within five years of starting
• Experience working in a care setting and the ability to build positive, trusting relationships.
• Confidence using different communication approaches to work with young people and their families.
• A solution‑focused mindset — someone who can tackle problems on their own and as part of a team.
• Strong emotional resilience to handle the more challenging parts of the role while staying grounded and supportive.

Why Action for Children?

Every child should have a loving home, food, warmth, the chance to grow and learn - the support to cope with life’s challenges. But too many children don’t. By bringing your passion and unique skills and experience, you’ll help us change that where it really matters.

We've been driven by love to take action for children for over 150 years, giving them the protection and practical help they need. A lot’s changed since 1869. But what children really need, hasn’t. So as long as children need us, we’ll be here.

Will you join us?

Contact: Laura McCarthy at recruitmentservice@actionforchildren.org.uk quoting reference 13715

Diversity, equality and inclusion

We work hard to create an inclusive environment. One where individuality is celebrated and where everyone feels valued and supported. Because when we come together, with skills like yours, we’re capable of amazing things.

We actively encourage applications from people with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and people with a disability, as these groups are under-represented within Action for Children.

Men are currently under-represented within our Children Service roles. We’d like to change that. So, we really encourage men to apply for any of our Children Service roles.

Want to get to know Action for Children better?

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