ABOUT US

At The Care Advantage, our ethos is to provide safe, secure, well-led and nurturing environments for children and young people with complex needs and learning disabilities. Many of our children have experienced significant trauma in their early lives, making this a challenging but uniquely rewarding role where your daily actions can have life-changing impacts.
We believe every child deserves the best possible outcomes in life. Through creating nurturing home environments that exceed our children’s needs, we enable them to express their character, feel safe, and enrich their lives. We take pride in providing structured, family-like settings where children can thrive.
We are seeking a compassionate and experienced Senior Residential Care Worker to join our team. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in supporting children with complex needs and learning disabilities, along with the ability to provide leadership on shifts. You will play a key role in mentoring staff and supporting children in our care, helping them fulfil their potential in a caring and structured environment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (essential).
• A minimum of 2 years of experience working with children or young people in a residential or similar setting, including supporting children with complex needs.
• Supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Proficient numeracy/literary skills, equivalent to GCSE grade C or above in English and Maths.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Right to work in the UK.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Strong understanding of safeguarding principles and child protection procedures.
• Familiarity with relevant legislation, including:
  o The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.
  o The Children Act 1989 and 2004.

o Working Together to Safeguard Children guidance.

• Experience working with children with emotional, behavioural, or learning difficulties is desirable.
• Experience contributing to care planning and supporting Ofsted inspections.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Leadership skills with the ability to inspire and guide a team during shifts.
• Excellent communication skills for liaising with children, families, and colleagues.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviours using de-escalation techniques and promote positive behaviour management strategies.
• Proficiency in maintaining accurate records using electronic care planning systems.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
• Compassionate and committed to being a positive role model.

The Senior Residential Care Worker will provide direct care and support to children while taking on additional responsibilities for leading shifts, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality care. This role involves fostering a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment where children can develop life skills, achieve personal goals, and feel valued.

• Shift Leadership:
• Lead shifts by coordinating staff duties and ensuring effective handovers between teams.
• Act as a role model for junior staff by demonstrating best practices in care delivery.
• Care Delivery:
• Provide day-to-day care for children in line with their individual care plans.
• Support children in developing independence skills such as cooking, budgeting, and personal hygiene.
• Promote positive behaviour through consistent boundaries and encouragement.
• Safeguarding:
• Ensure the safety of all children by adhering to safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Act as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns during shifts, escalating issues appropriately.
• Care Planning:
• Contribute to the creation and review of personalised care plans that reflect each child’s needs, wishes, and aspirations.
• Monitor progress against care plans through regular reviews with professionals, families, and agencies.
• Team Leadership:
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior staff members to support their development.
• Conduct informal supervisions during shifts to ensure staff are meeting organisational standards.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision sessions, and training opportunities.
• Health and Safety:
• Conduct risk assessments for activities or situations as required.
• Maintain a safe living environment by adhering to health and safety regulations.
• Multi-agency Collaboration:
• Liaise with external professionals such as social workers, educators, and healthcare providers to support holistic care for each child.
• Organisational Values and Continuous Improvement:
• Safety First: Create and maintain a safe, secure environment where children feel protected and supported.
• Compassionate Care: Provide nurturing, empathetic support that builds trust and fosters emotional resilience.
• Respect and Inclusion: Treat every child with respect by valuing their individuality, promoting inclusion during activities, and supporting their independence.
• Commitment to Growth: Engage in continuous professional development through training and reflective practice to improve care delivery.
• Equality in Action: Tailor care to meet each child’s unique needs while promoting equality and celebrating diversity.
• Child-centred Approach: Prioritise children’s wellbeing by ensuring their voices are heard and reflected in daily routines and activities