Residential Childcare Support Worker

Residential Support Worker

All the relevant skills, qualifications and experience that a successful applicant will need are listed in the following description.

Location: Crawley, West Sussex
Contract: Part- Time, permanent
Specific Hours: 30 hours per week - shift pattern
Starting Salary:
Base salary: £21,784.90 pro rata (£29,046.53 FTE) per annum with the potential to earn up to £23,604.90 with sleep-in shifts
Salary after probation: Base salary of £22,689.26 pro rata (£30,252.35 FTE) per annum with the potential to earn up to £24,509.26 with sleep-in shifts

What We Offer:
Competitive pay plus sleep-in allowance (£35 per night, typically one per week)
Every other weekend off
Fully funded qualifications and ongoing professional development
Clear career progression pathways
Company pension
Access to employee discounts and wellbeing programmes
About Apple Orchard:
Apple Orchard runs five residential homes across Surrey and West Sussex, providing nurturing, therapeutic environments for boys aged 12-18 who have often experienced trauma or disruption. Our teams help young people heal, grow, and reach their potential, celebrating progress and creating a safe, supportive space for both young people and staff.
We're looking for compassionate, resilient, and enthusiastic individuals to join us as Residential Childcare Support Workers. Whether you're experienced or new to the sector, if you're passionate about helping young people thrive, we'd love to hear from you.
About this role:
As a Support Worker, you'll play a key part in daily life at the home by:
Providing a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment
Planning and leading activities that build confidence and development
Building positive, trusting relationships that guide young people toward independence
Keeping accurate records of behaviour, progress, and achievements
Working closely with local authorities and professionals to ensure high-quality care
Being an active, supportive member of a committed team
What We're Looking For:
Essential:
A genuine passion for making a positive difference
Experience with teenagers or challenging behaviours (preferred)
Flexibility to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins
Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (due to rural locations)
Desirable:
Level 3 Residential Childcare or equivalent qualification (or willingness to work towards it)
Ability to manage behaviour with calmness, empathy, and consistency
Strong communication skills, written and verbal
A team-focused approach, emotional resilience, and a good sense of humour
Ability to follow procedures, write reports, and contribute to care plans

Apple Orchard is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. xwzovoh Successful applicants will be subject to a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position.