Residential Support Worker (Full Time / Part Time)

Job Description Job title: Residential Support Worker Service: Children's residential home – emotional and behavioural support Employer: Anima Residential Care Limited Location: Erith/Slade Green Reports to: Deputy Manager / Registered Manager Hours: Full-time and part-time available; shift work including days, evenings, weekends, bank holidays and sleep-in duties Contract: Permanent/Bank workers Salary: 13.50 hourly DBS: Enhanced DBS check (with Children's Barred List) required KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Caring for the children Provide day-to-day care that meets each child's physical, emotional, social and educational needs. Build positive, trusting relationships and act as a consistent, reliable adult in the child's life. Support children through daily routines – getting up, meals, school, activities, bedtime – and encourage independence and life skills. Use a trauma-informed, nurturing approach (such as PACE – playfulness, acceptance, curiosity and empathy) to help children feel safe and understood. Help children manage their emotions and behaviour, de-escalating difficult situations calmly and using positive behaviour support strategies. Plan and take part in fun, meaningful activities, outings and interests that build confidence and self-esteem. Safeguarding and wellbeing Promote and safeguard the welfare of every child, following the home's safeguarding and child protection policies at all times. Recognise and report any safeguarding concerns, incidents or changes in a child's presentation promptly and appropriately. Support children's health needs, including attending appointments and following care plans and any medication procedures. Work within risk assessments and individual care plans, contributing to keeping these up to date. Records and teamwork Keep accurate, timely and professional records – daily logs, key-working notes, incident reports and other documentation – to the standards expected by Ofsted and the home. Act as a key worker for individual children, helping to plan and review their care and progress. Work positively as part of a team, sharing information through handovers, meetings and supervision. Take part in training, supervision and team development to keep your practice safe and up to date. ABOUT YOU Essential A genuine passion for working with children and young people and helping them thrive. Patience, resilience, empathy and a calm, consistent manner, even in challenging situations. Good communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with children and colleagues. A willingness to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays and sleep-ins. A commitment to safeguarding and to treating children with dignity, warmth and respect. The right to work in the UK and willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check. Desirable Experience of working with children or young people, particularly those with emotional and behavioural needs. A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or willingness to work towards it – we will support you to achieve this). Knowledge of trauma-informed care, attachment, PACE or positive behaviour support approaches. A full UK driving licence. WHAT WE OFFER A supportive, friendly team and regular supervision. Full induction and ongoing training, including funded qualifications. Clear opportunities for career progression within the organisation. Sleep-in payments in addition to your salary. The chance to make a real and lasting difference to children's lives.