Job Description

Senior Children’s Support Worker (Residential / Team Leader)

📍 Crook, County Durham, UK

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Children’s Support Worker / Team Leader to join a residential care setting supporting a young people.

This is a rewarding opportunity to play a key role in providing high-quality, person-centred care within a supportive and structured environment, helping a young person achieve their full potential.

About the Role

Based in a residential home environment, you will work closely with our young people, providing consistent care, guidance and emotional support. You will also take on leadership responsibilities, ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the home, particularly in the absence of the Registered Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide a safe, nurturing and supportive environment for the young people
• Build positive, trusting relationships and act as a strong role model
• Support emotional, behavioural and developmental needs
• Lead shifts and maintain high standards of care at all times
• Assist in care planning, risk assessments and report writing
• Ensure care plans are implemented and updated as needed
• Support education, activities and community engagement
• Promote positive behaviour and encourage personal growth
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to reviews and meetings
• Supervise and support junior staff, including new starters
• Work collaboratively as part of a team and contribute to team development
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding practices and relevant regulations

What We’re Looking For

• Experience working with children or young people in a residential care setting
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to guide and support a team
• A compassionate, resilient and proactive approach
• Ability to manage challenging behaviours positively and effectively
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Understanding of safeguarding and relevant childcare legislation
• A full UK driving licence (desirable)

Working Hours & Conditions

• Flexible shift patterns including early mornings, evenings, weekends and sleep-ins
• Participation in an on-call rota, including out-of-hours support
• Occasional rota changes may be required to meet service needs

What We Offer

• A supportive and collaborative working environment
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• The chance to make a genuine difference in a young person’s life
• Career progression within a growing organisation

Additional Information

This role is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check due to working with vulnerable young people. Safeguarding and promoting their welfare is a priority, and all applicants must share this commitment.