EXPERIENCED SUPPORT WORKER

Role Overview

We are seeking a passionate, resilient, and highly motivated Experienced Support Worker to join our dynamic team. In this critical role, you will provide day-to-day therapeutic care and emotional support to children with complex needs, emotional and behavioral difficulties (EBD), and challenging behaviors. You will act as a positive role model, guiding them through daily challenges and celebrating their milestones.

Key Responsibilities

• Therapeutic & Emotional Support: Create a safe, warm, and structured environment that addresses the emotional, psychological, and social needs of the children.
• Daily Care & Safeguarding: Actively promote and safeguard the welfare of the children in compliance with Children's Homes Regulations and Quality Standards.
• Key-Working Duties: Serve as a designated Key Worker for assigned children—developing, implementing, and regularly reviewing comprehensive individual care plans and risk assessments.
• Life Skills Development: Guide and support young people in building essential life skills, including budgeting, cooking, personal hygiene, and preparing for independent living.
• Education & Community Engagement: Promote and facilitate educational attendance, helping with homework, and encouraging engagement in positive recreational, social, and community activities.
• Behavior Management: Confidently manage and de-escalate challenging behaviors using therapeutic, positive reinforcement methods and approved training frameworks.
• Professional Collaboration: Liaise effectively with external multidisciplinary teams, including social workers, teachers, therapists, medical professionals, and family members.
• Reporting & Compliance: Maintain precise, detailed, and objective daily logs, incident reports, and shift handovers in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Experience: A minimum of 1 year of continuous experience working within a registered children’s residential home or similar looked-after-children setting (Essential).
• Qualifications: Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent Health and Social Care NVQ Level 3 for Children and Young People) is highly preferred, or a proven commitment to completing it within 12 months.
• Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of the Children’s Homes Regulations, Quality Standards, and current safeguarding frameworks.
• Skills: Exceptional communication, active listening, and conflict de-escalation skills. Strong emotional resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Flexibility: Commitment to working a flexible rolling shift schedule, which includes long days, weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-in shifts.
• Vetting: Possession of an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service (or willingness to undergo one) and excellent professional references.

What We Offer

• Highly competitive salary scale with generous sleep-in bonuses.
• Comprehensive induction program and ongoing specialist training (e.g., therapeutic care, trauma-informed practice, de-escalation techniques).
• Clear pathways for career progression into Senior Support Worker, Team Leader, and Management roles.
• A highly supportive, collaborative, and inclusive team culture.

How to Apply

If you are a dedicated professional looking to make a lasting, positive difference in the lives of young people, we would love to hear from you. 

Ambitious Healthcare is an Equal Opportunity Employer, We do not discriminate against applicants or employees based on protected characteristics like race, gender, age, religion, or disability