Job Description

Hourly £13.50 rate

About Central & Southern

Locations: Bodmin, Exeter and Credition

At Central & Southern, we provide therapeutic residential care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, loss and adversity. Our homes are more than just places to live, they are safe, nurturing environments where children are supported to heal, grow and build brighter futures.

We currently operate seven children's homes across Devon and Cornwall , giving our teams the opportunity to develop their careers within a growing organisation. We are passionate about promoting from within, and many of our Team Leaders, Deputy Managers, Registered Managers and senior leaders began their careers as Residential Support Workers.

Our approach is therapeutic and relationship-based. We don't believe in simply managing behaviour. Instead, we recognise that behaviour is a form of communication. By building trusting relationships, remaining curious, and responding with empathy, consistency and clear boundaries, we help children feel safe, regulate their emotions and develop the confidence to thrive.

Every day is different. One day you might be helping a young person prepare for school, the next you could be teaching them to cook, supporting them through a difficult conversation, celebrating an achievement, or creating lasting memories on a day out. It's these everyday moments, built on trust and consistency, that have the greatest impact.

When you join Central & Southern, you're joining more than a team, you're joining a community that values its people just as much as the children we support. We invest heavily in training, development and wellbeing because we know that outstanding care starts with outstanding staff.

The Role

As a Residential Support Worker at Central & Southern, you will play a vital role in providing safe, therapeutic and nurturing care to children and young people living in our homes.

You will become a consistent, trusted adult in a child's life, helping them to feel safe, develop positive relationships and achieve the best possible outcomes. Every interaction matters, from supporting a child through a difficult day at school to celebrating their achievements and helping them develop the skills they need for adulthood.

This is a rewarding role, but it also comes with significant responsibility. You will be expected to maintain the highest standards of safeguarding, professionalism and child-centred practice at all times.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child, recognising concerns, reporting them immediately and following safeguarding procedures without exception.
• Building positive, therapeutic relationships with children and young people while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Supporting children with their emotional wellbeing, education, health, family time, independence and daily routines.
• Using trauma-informed and therapeutic approaches to understand behaviour as communication, helping children regulate their emotions through consistency, empathy and clear boundaries.
• Planning and participating in activities that promote confidence, life skills and positive childhood experiences.
• Completing accurate, factual and timely records, including daily logs, incident reports, medication records and risk assessments.
• Administering medication safely in line with company policies and procedures.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues, families, social workers, schools, health professionals and other partner agencies.
• Maintaining a safe, clean and welcoming home environment where children feel secure and valued.
• Attending and actively participating in team meetings, supervisions and mandatory training.
• Acting as a positive role model, demonstrating professionalism, respect and integrity in every aspect of your work.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

You must be able to recognise signs of abuse, neglect, exploitation and other safeguarding concerns, taking immediate action in accordance with Central & Southern's safeguarding policies. You will be expected to share concerns promptly, record information accurately and work openly with managers and external professionals to protect children from harm.

Working Pattern

Our homes provide care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You will be required to work a rota that includes:

• 16 hour shifts
• Sleep-ins and waking nights (where applicable)
• Weekends and bank holidays

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for people with the right values as much as experience. You'll be someone who:

• Is passionate about improving the lives of children and young people.
• Demonstrates resilience and emotional maturity.
• Communicates confidently and professionally.
• Can remain calm and make safe decisions under pressure.
• Understands the importance of safeguarding and professional accountability.
• Is reflective, willing to learn and committed to continuous development.
• Can work effectively as part of a supportive team.
• Holds a full UK driving licence and is willing to transport children as part of the role.

Residential childcare experience is welcomed but not essential. We provide a comprehensive induction, ongoing training and funded qualifications to help you build a successful career with Central & Southern.

Why join Central & Southern?

• Career progression across our seven homes, with pathways into Team Leader, Deputy Manager, Registered Manager and senior leadership roles.
• Funded qualifications and specialist training.
• Company sick pay.
• Care Bonus Scheme, rewarding excellent attendance with a bonus every six months for staff with no sickness absence.
• Employee of the Month recognition scheme.
• Annual company events including our Summer BBQ, Sports Day and Christmas Awards celebration.
• Enhanced pay for sleep-ins and enhanced overtime rate.
• Regular supervision, wellbeing support and a leadership team that is approachable, visible and invested in your success.