We are looking for residential support workers look after the physical and mental wellbeing of children or vulnerable adults in care.
If you enjoy helping people and want to make a difference to their lives, this job could be perfect for you.
In this job, it will be important to get on with people of all ages and backgrounds and gain their trust. You'll need to have understanding and a non-judging attitude.
Some social care employers will be more interested in your work and life experience than formal qualifications, and you can gain these whilst working. You’ll need to pass background checks by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
There are some age restrictions on working in children’s homes.
Work activities
As a residential support worker your clients could include children in care, or adults with physical or learning disabilities, mental health problems, addiction issues or other emotional or social needs.
Your day-to-day tasks would vary according to the client group you work with, but might include:
• Checking each resident's needs and progress.
• Providing physical care, which could include bathing, toileting, dressing and feeding.
• Creating a safe and positive living environment.
• Setting rules for young people's behaviour.
• Providing one-to-one counselling or group therapy sessions.
• Teaching daily living skills such as budgeting, shopping and claiming benefits.
• Providing leisure and creative activities in a safe and supportive setting.
• Helping residents to deal with problems and become independent.
• Liaising with residents' families and arranging family and home visits.
• Working with other health and care professionals.
• Acting as a learning support assistant.
You would also be expected to keep accurate records and write reports. These may be on complex matters affecting individual children or adults, and be used in case reviews and future care plans.
With experience, you could have extra responsibilities including supervising and leading a team, and managing a budget.

Working hours and conditions
In a full-time job you would typically work around 37 to 40 hours a week, often on a shift Rota including weekends, evenings and sleep-in duties. You may also be on call at times. Part-time work and job sharing are widely available.
You could be based in children's homes, hostels, or adult residential care centres. You may also spend time out in the community doing activities with residents. A driving licence could be useful.
The work can be challenging as you may be supporting residents with unpredictable behaviour.
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Skills, interests and qualities
To become a residential support worker, you would need to have some or all of the following:
• Excellent communication, time management and organisation skills.
• The ability to get on with people of all ages and backgrounds and gain their trust.
• A practical and flexible approach to work.
• Tact, patience and understanding
• Knowledge of the needs of different client groups.
• A non-judging attitude
• The ability to work in a team and also use your initiative.
• Computer literacy and administration skills.
• The ability to assess situations and take action.
• Mental strength, to cope with challenging situations and clients.
• Knowledge of child development
• An understanding of how to help children with disabilities to reach their potential.
• An understanding of the effects of bereavement, change and loss.
• A supportive attitude towards health and wellbeing, and educational achievement.
• An understanding of safeguarding issues around vulnerable groups.
The skills required may differ, depending on the age and needs of your client group.

From £22,500 to £23,500 per annum
• 37-40 Hours per week

Location: St Johns wood