Job Description

Role: Residential Support Worker (Shift Leader)

Salary: £13.45 an hour

Location Almondsbury, Bristol

Contract/Hours: CASUAL hours - shift work is expected between 7am-10pm and some weekends.

Benefits:

• Generous Leave with up to 5 additional days for continuous service and option to buy or sell leave.
• Gain professional qualifications and excellent training/development opportunities.
• Free Parking.
• Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages.
• Pension with up to 7% employer contribution with included life assurance cover.
• Staff discount portal and Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 national retailers’ discounts.
• As part of our commitment to staff wellbeing, you’ll receive a paid annual Wellbeing Day to use however you choose, supporting a healthy balance between work and life.

Why Action for Children?

We are one of the largest children’s charities in the UK and have been making a difference to the lives of the UK’s vulnerable children for over 150 years. 

Find out more about Action for Children here: Action for Children and on LinkedIn, Facebook or YouTube to get to know us better.

The difference is what you do. You can learn more about why we do it, by checking out our 'Driven by Love' video.

 A bit about the role 

We’re looking for dedicated Residential Support Workers (Shift Leaders) to join our team. Our Residential Support Workers create a safe and supportive environment for children and young people to grow and develop. You will be supporting with any needs by assisting them with tasks such as personal care and household chores. The level of support will vary depending on the individual needs, focusing on fostering a sense of accomplishment and well-being.

About the service

Russell House is a short break home providing overnight accommodation and support for children and young people have both physical and learning disabilities.

The home provides a warm, caring and comfortable environment where young people feel safe, have fun, where they gain and develop skills and achieve maximum quality of life.

How you'll help to create brighter futures 

• Provide case/care planning management, including assessing, reviewing and managing risk.
• Administer medication.
• Provide personal care in line with the young people’s care plans.
• Lead shifts with the primary aim of the provision of a high-quality service.
• Co-ordinating responsibilities within the service, with multi agency and producing family information, including analysis and written reports.
• Attendance at professional meetings including reviews.
• Supervise a team of residential support workers.
• Lead by example with the application of Action for Children's policy procedures and professional practice standards and in line with registration requirements.

Let's talk about you as a Residential Support Worker

Ideally you will: 

• Understand how to engage with young people. 
• Have supervisory skills and be able to lead a team.
• Have a positive approach and ‘can do’ attitude. 
• Ability to work on your own or as part of a team. 
• Possess a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or recognised equivalent) or if you do not possess this you must be prepared to complete this within 2 years.

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?

Help with your application

If you require any support with the application process, please contact Sarah Manderfield at recruitmentservice@actionforchildren.org.uk quoting reference 13847.

Please note, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Diversity, equality and inclusion

At Action for Children, we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to thrive. We know that racism and discrimination create barriers, and we’re taking active steps to challenge these inequalities in our organisation and in the communities we serve.

We strongly welcome applications from people who are Black, Asian, or from other racialised and ethnically marginalised communities, as well as disabled people, who are currently under‑represented in our workforce. We are committed to removing barriers in our recruitment processes and ensuring fair access to opportunities.

We also encourage applications from men, who are under‑represented in our Children’s Services roles. We recognise that people hold multiple identities, and we value the richness this brings to our team.

Job Description

See below for further information about working with us:

Action for Children Employee Benefits

AfC Commitment Statement

Make a Difference - A Career in Residential Services