Residential Childcare Worker

Provide safe, nurturing and individualised care to children and young people with learning disabilities and/or autism. Support their wellbeing, rights, development and independence through consistent, child-centred practice as part of the residential care team.
2. Daily care and teamwork Deliver planned daily care and routines in line with individual care plans, placement plans, communication profiles and assessed needs. Work cooperatively with colleagues and follow the direction of the shift lead, Deputy Manager and Registered Manager. Build trusting, appropriate professional relationships with children while maintaining clear boundaries. Recognise and challenge unsafe or poor practice, take immediate steps to protect children where necessary and report concerns promptly.

Support children with meals, appointments, education, leisure, family contact and meaningful activities. Participate in shift handovers, team meetings, induction and reflective discussions; seek guidance when uncertain. Take responsibility for completing allocated duties, communicating delays and escalating matters beyond your competence or authority.
3. Safeguarding and welfare Recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns, disclosures, allegations and signs of harm; follow reporting and escalation procedures without delay. Ensure accurate, factual and timely recording of safeguarding matters, incidents and actions taken. Promote children's rights, dignity, privacy, voice, participation and access to complaints and advocacy arrangements. Maintain professional boundaries and safeguard children during activities, transport, contact arrangements and daily routines.

Follow individual risk assessments and report changes in presentation, risk or unmet needs promptly to the shift lead or management. Work cooperatively with social workers, families and other professionals within agreed information-sharing arrangements.
4. Individualised support and positive outcomes Provide care consistent with each child's placement plan, care plan, communication needs and personal preferences. Use accessible communication, reasonable adjustments and individualised approaches for children with learning disabilities and autism. Use agreed positive behaviour support strategies, proactive approaches, low-arousal responses and least-restrictive practice, within training and individual plans. Promote emotional wellbeing, relationships, education, health, independence, recreation and community inclusion.

Undertake key-working tasks where allocated, helping children work towards meaningful goals and recording progress. Support personal care respectfully and in accordance with each child's preferences, dignity and support needs. Encourage a warm, homely environment and involve children in everyday choices and household life.
5. Medication, records and communication Administer or support medication only when trained, assessed as competent and authorised, following medication policy and recording requirements. Complete daily notes, handover information, incident reports, key-work records and other required documentation accurately, factually and promptly. Report medication errors, recording omissions, injuries and significant events immediately through the required procedures. Communicate relevant information to colleagues and managers, and with external professionals where authorised.

Maintain confidentiality, secure information and comply with data protection requirements.
6. Health, safety and home environment Complete allocated fire safety, health and safety, infection prevention, housekeeping and environmental checks in line with training and policy. Report and respond to hazards, maintenance needs, accidents and emergencies according to policy. Support safe transport and community activities, following relevant risk assessments and driving requirements. Ensure children's living areas remain safe, clean, welcoming and respectful of their needs and belongings.

Use company resources responsibly and report operational concerns to the shift lead, Deputy Manager or Registered Manager.
7. Training and professional standards Follow the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, the Quality Standards, the Statement of Purpose and relevant organisational procedures as applicable to the role. Cooperate with quality assurance, audits and improvement actions by maintaining accurate records and following agreed changes. Complete mandatory and role-specific training and maintain…