Job title: Residential Support Worker
Job type: Permanent
Emp type: Full-time
Industry: Social Care
Functional Expertise: Social Care
Skills: The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards for Children’s Homes Children Act 1989 Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 Data Protection Act 2018 Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
Salary type: Annual
Salary: GBP £29,000.00
Job ID: 39245

Job Description

Residential Support Worker – Canterbury (Kent)

Salary: £29,250 per annum
Hours: Full-time (45 hours per week)
Holidays: 28 days (including bank holidays)
Contract: Permanent (subject to 6-month probation)
Location: Canterbury
Disclosure: Enhanced DBS check required

About the Role
We are seeking compassionate Residential Support Workers to join our team at a therapeutic children’s home in Canterbury. The home cares for children and young people aged 8–17 with emotional and behavioural difficulties, trauma, and complex needs. Staff provide a nurturing, trauma-informed environment to support growth, life skills development, and independence.

Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as a positive role model, supporting children’s emotional, educational, and social development.

  • Assist with daily routines, life skills, and community participation.

  • Support therapeutic and behavioural plans to ensure a safe, nurturing environment.

  • Promote education, support schoolwork, and alternative learning.

  • Act as a key worker, advocating for young people in meetings with social workers, educators, and professionals.

  • Ensure safety and safeguarding compliance, reducing risks and managing challenging behaviour.

  • Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team and maintain accurate records.

  • Participate in home routines, team meetings, training, and supervision.

  • Work shifts including evenings, nights, sleep-ins, and on-call duties.

Person Specification

  • Qualifications: Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.

  • Experience: Supporting children or young people with emotional, behavioural, or complex needs in a multidisciplinary setting.

  • Knowledge: Relevant legislation including Children’s Homes Regulations (2015), Children Act (1989), Working Together (2023), Data Protection Act (2018), Health & Safety at Work Act (1974).

  • Skills: Strong communication, empathy, interpersonal skills, ability to manage challenging behaviour, work independently and as part of a team, IT and record-keeping skills, valid UK driving licence.

  • Values: Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

What’s on Offer

  • Supportive team and professional development in trauma-informed care.

  • Flexible rota including evenings, nights, and sleep-ins.

  • Career progression opportunities.

  • Competitive pay and benefits.

Please note: Applications from candidates requiring visa sponsorship cannot be considered.