Senior Support Worker

Location: Ossett, West Yorkshire
Job Type: Full Time | Permanent
Salary: £31,068 + Sleep in allowance
Driving Licence: Essential

About the Role

We are recruiting on behalf of our client, a reputable Children’s Residential Home based in Ossett, seeking an experienced and compassionate Senior Support Worker to join their dedicated care team.

This opportunity is ideal for candidates with a background in Children’s Residential Care, or individuals with substantial experience supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN), additional learning needs, SEMH, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, or challenging behaviour.

Candidates from SEN Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Support, Youth Work, Learning Support, or similar child-focused support backgrounds will also be considered.

The role involves supporting children and young people who may present with complex emotional, behavioural and developmental needs, helping them thrive within a safe, structured, and nurturing residential environment.

Key Responsibilities

As a Senior Support Worker, you will:

• Deliver high-quality, child-centred care and emotional support to children and young people.
• Promote positive outcomes, independence, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.
• Support young people presenting with:
  • SEN / Additional Needs
  • Autism (ASD)
  • ADHD
  • SEMH (Social, Emotional & Mental Health needs)
  • Emotional & Behavioural Difficulties (EBD)
  • Trauma-related behaviours and emotional dysregulation.
• Effectively manage and respond to challenging behaviours, utilising positive behaviour support and de-escalation techniques.
• Lead by example and provide guidance and support to junior team members.
• Assist with care planning, risk assessments, safeguarding procedures, and behaviour management strategies.
• Support daily living activities including education attendance, appointments, social activities, routines, and life skills development.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation in line with regulatory and safeguarding standards.
• Work collaboratively with social workers, education providers, healthcare professionals, and wider multidisciplinary teams.
• Contribute towards creating a stable, safe, and therapeutic home environment.

Candidate Requirements

Essential:

✔ Previous experience working with children and young people
✔ Experience supporting children with SEN, additional needs, behavioural needs, or complex emotional needs
✔ Confidence managing challenging behaviour within professional care or educational settings
✔ Strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and professional boundaries
✔ Excellent communication, leadership, and teamwork skills
✔ Flexible approach to shift patterns, including evenings/weekends where required
✔ Full UK Driving Licence – Essential

Desirable:

✔ Previous experience within a Children’s Residential Home
✔ Level 3 Diploma / NVQ in Residential Childcare, Health & Social Care or equivalent
✔ Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and therapeutic approaches
✔ Experience supporting children with ASD, ADHD, EBD, SEMH, or looked-after children

Suitable Backgrounds May Include:

• Senior Residential Support Worker
• Residential Childcare Worker
• SEN Teaching Assistant (SEN TA)
• Behaviour Support Worker
• Learning Support Assistant
• Youth Worker
• Children’s Support Worker
• Care Practitioner – Children & Young People

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary package
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Career progression opportunities
• Supportive leadership and team environment
• Rewarding role with genuine career development potential
• Opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people

Apply Now

If you are passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs, behavioural challenges, and complex care requirements, and are looking for your next opportunity within a rewarding residential care setting, we would welcome your application.

Apply today to learn more about this opportunity in Ossett.