Childrens Residential Support Worker

Residential Support Worker

Childrens Residential Care

£27,906 per annum + £44.86 per sleep‑in + £1,400 annual attendance bonus

Homes2

Inspire is part of Shaw Trust, one of the UK’s largest charities and a leading not‑for‑profit provider of public services. We opened our first home in Northamptonshire in 2007 and are now the UK’s largest charitably owned residential children’s home provider.

Today, we operate nearly 60 homes, two supported accommodation developments, and deliver high‑needs foster care through Fostering2

Inspire and Homes & Horizons.

We believe every child deserves the best possible start in life. Our homes are nurturing, warm, and welcoming, and our dedicated teams provide safe, well‑planned care for children and young people who have often faced significant challenges. We invest heavily in training and support for our colleagues because when we create a great place for children to live, we also create a great place for adults to work.

In 2022, Somerset Council entered a strategic partnership with Homes2

Inspire and Shaw Trust to create Homes & Horizons an innovative model of care designed for children and young people with complex needs. The partnership delivers :

• 11 residential homes (8 currently operational)
• High‑needs foster care for approximately 20 children
• An associated therapeutic education service

This wrap‑around approach integrates care, education, and NHS support to prevent placement breakdowns and reduce the need for Tier 4 CAMHS inpatient provision.

Some of the children we care for have experienced things no child should. They may feel unsure, guarded, or overwhelmed. But with the right support, they can begin to trust again, learn again, and dream again.

As a Residential Support Worker, you’ll be part of a team that creates a safe, stable, and nurturing home where children aged 8–18 can begin to heal and thrive.

Your role is about being there consistently, calmly, and with care. You’ll help children feel safe and supported in their day‑to‑day lives, and you’ll be part of the small, meaningful moments that build trust and belonging.

We expect you to Keep children safe
, be a role model
, help with daily life,
encourage growth
, stay steady in tough moments, and work as part of a team
.

This role involves long days and sleep‑ins on a rotational shift pattern, providing consistency and stability for the children in our care. The children we support have often faced significant trauma and may experience intense emotions. At times, this can lead to verbal or physical aggression, so emotional resilience is key. You’ll receive full training, including our Safe and Sound physical intervention package, which is used only as an absolute last resort to keep everyone safe.

You’ll also help with record‑keeping, contribute to care plans, and ensure that every child’s voice is heard in decisions about their life.

You don’t need experience in residential care; we’ll provide full training. What matters most is your ability to be patient, consistent, and kind, even when things feel challenging.

We’re looking for someone who :

• Has a full UK driving licence (essential)
• Can commit to working shifts including sleep‑ins
• Is willing to complete a Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare
• Brings a calm, positive approach to difficult situations
• Believes in the potential of every child, even when they’re struggling to see it themselves
• Has experience in care settings (bonus, but not essential)

At Homes2

Inspire, you’ll be part of a team that values your wellbeing, supports your growth, and celebrates your impact. You’ll receive specialist training, ongoing support, and the chance to build a meaningful career in children’s residential care.

We offer :

• Quarterly Attendance Bonus – earn up to £1,400 per year
• Refer a Friend Scheme – 500 per successful referral, £1,000 for manager referrals
• Purchase Additional Leave – up to 5 extra days annually
• Subsidised Days Out – join children on funded activities, trips, and meals
• Vivup Employee Benefits – discounts on shopping, cinema, holidays + Blue Light…