Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker

Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker

Company: Apple Orchard
Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Contract: Full time, permanent

Starting Salary: Base salary of £31,432.09, with the potential to earn up to £33,112.09 with sleep in shifts.

Salary after probation: Base salary of £32,817.82, with the potential to earn up to £34,497.82 with sleep in shifts.
Specific Hours: Approx 40 hours per week - shift pattern

Benefits:

• Company pension
• £35 per sleep in (one per week, approx. 48 weeks per year)
• Access to our Exchange Employee Discount Scheme
• Access to wellbeing support through our Exchange Provision
• Opportunities for promotion and career progression

About Apple Orchard:

Apple Orchard operates five residential homes across Surrey and West Sussex, each set in peaceful rural locations and providing a warm, homely environment for boys aged 12–18.

Our aim is to help young people make sense of their past experiences and move forward positively. We provide safe boundaries, achievable goals and supportive strategies such as reward systems and structured free time.

Central to our work is a high level of nurturing care. We ensure every young person’s basic needs are met and create a friendly, supportive atmosphere where strong, positive relationships and healthy attachments can grow.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead on meeting each young person’s care, welfare and development needs.
• Plan engaging activities that support learning, independence and positive behaviour.
• Ensure practice complies with legislation, policies and Children’s Homes Regulations.
• Support and guide residential support workers, ensuring policies and risk assessments are followed.
• Record and report young people’s progress accurately, including key events and life book updates.
• Work collaboratively with placing authorities, parents/carers and other professionals.
• Support daily routines in the home, including helping with domestic tasks when required.
• Work with the Manager and team to uphold the home’s ethos and raise concerns appropriately.
• Maintain clear, accurate and non judgemental written records.

Essential Skills:

• Experience working with teenage boys or young people with challenging behaviours, with a willingness to continue developing your skills.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (rural location – no public transport.
• Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare/Health & Social Care (or willingness to work towards it).
• Ability to engage young people in activities and support them toward independence and adulthood.
• Flexibility to work days, evenings and weekends on a shift rota (every other weekend off).
• Ability to set firm, consistent boundaries and respond calmly to challenging behaviour.
• Strong teamwork skills and willingness to follow handovers and delegated tasks.
• Ability to follow policies and procedures confidently.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to listen, engage and build positive relationships.

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. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.