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Transform Lives as a Children's Residential Support Worker

What if your job could change someone's life?

At Wilderness Way, that's exactly what happens every day.

Whether you're bringing experience from residential childcare, education, care, youth work, or you're looking for a rewarding new challenge, this is your opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of children who need support, stability, and someone who believes in them.

Apply once and we'll assess the right level for you.

We recruit for Residential Support Worker opportunities across our homes and will assess your experience, qualifications and skills throughout the recruitment process to ensure you're considered for the most suitable role. Based on your experience and qualifications, this may include opportunities at Residential Support Worker or Senior Residential Support Worker level.

Why Join Us?

When you spend your career changing children's lives, you deserve a company that invests in yours.

That's why we offer:

• Set shift patterns including sleep-ins.
• Up to 7 weeks annual leave.
• Paid Compassionate Leave from day one.
• Enhanced Sick Pay, Maternity Pay and Paternity Pay.
• Medicash healthcare benefits, including dental and optical cashback plus 24/7 GP access.
• Life Assurance worth 2x your annual salary.
• Fully funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
• A dedicated induction and six-month welcome programme.
• Clear opportunities to progress your career with Wilderness Way.
• Discounts across gyms, retail, restaurants and more.
• 1,000 Refer a Friend bonus.
• Company pension scheme.

Your Day-to-Day

No two days are ever the same.

One day you might be helping a young person prepare for school. The next, you'll be supporting an outdoor adventure, teaching life skills, celebrating achievements, cooking a favourite meal, or simply being the trusted adult they need during a difficult moment.

You'll:

• Build positive, trusting relationships with children.
• Create a safe, structured and nurturing home environment.
• Support children with education, health and wellbeing.
• Encourage independence, confidence and resilience.
• Help children access new experiences and opportunities.
• Support children to express their wishes, feelings and aspirations.
• Use trauma-informed approaches to support emotional wellbeing.
• Work collaboratively with Managers, Therapists, Outdoor Specialists and Multi-Disciplinary Teams to help children achieve positive outcomes.

For colleagues appointed at Senior Residential Support Worker level, there will also be opportunities to mentor and support less experienced colleagues, role model best practice and help maintain high standards of care across the home.

What We're Looking For

The most important thing is your ability to lead by example, develop others and create an environment where children can thrive.

You'll also need to:

• Experience working with children, young people or vulnerable individuals, whether in care, education, youth work, healthcare, support work or a similar environment.
• A positive and resilient approach.
• Strong communication skills and a genuine passion for helping children reach their full potential.
• A willingness to work towards a Level 3 qualification if you don't already hold one.
• Be 21 or over (or turning 21 soon) due to requirements within children's residential care.
• Have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we're unable to offer sponsorship for this position.
• Hold a full UK driving licence and be comfortable driving as part of your role, as you'll help children access the people, opportunities and experiences that matter most to them.

For Experienced Candidates

If you already hold a Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) and have residential childcare experience, we'll consider you for opportunities that reflect your skills and experience, including Senior Residential Support Worker positions.

Make a Difference Every Day

It's a chance to help children feel safe, valued, understood and excited about their future.

With only 10-11 working days per month, exceptional support from your team, and genuine opportunities to develop your career, you'll have the chance to build a rewarding future while helping young people build theirs.

Apply today and we'll assess the right level for you.

All roles at Wilderness Way are subject to Safer Recruitment checks, including references, an enhanced DBS, and online/social media screening for successful candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background, experience, or protected characteristics.

Are you an experienced Residential Support Worker looking for flexible agency work?

We are currently recruiting experienced and reliable Residential Support Workers to support vulnerable children and young people across a range of residential care settings.

The young people you will support may have experienced trauma or difficult life circumstances and may present with challenging behaviours, autism, emotional and behavioural difficulties and complex support needs.

This is a rewarding opportunity for caring and resilient individuals who want to make a positive difference while enjoying the flexibility of agency work.

The Role

As a Residential Support Worker, you will provide high-quality care and support to children and young people, helping them feel safe, supported and valued.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Providing day-to-day care and support to vulnerable children and young people
• Building positive and trusting relationships
• Supporting young people with their daily routines and individual needs
• Engaging children in activities, hobbies and interests
• Supporting emotional wellbeing and personal development
• Managing and responding appropriately to challenging behaviours
• Supporting children with autism and other additional needs
• Following individual care plans and risk assessments
• Maintaining professional boundaries and providing consistent support

Every shift will be different, and you may work with young people with a range of needs and backgrounds. You will need to be adaptable, patient and able to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.

Flexible Agency Shifts

Agency work gives you the flexibility to work around your existing commitments, with shifts available across a range of residential childcare settings.

You must be able to work flexible hours, which may include long day shifts, weekends, bank holidays and sleep ins. Flexibility is essential, as shift patterns and requirements will vary depending on the home and the needs of the young people.

About You

We are looking for people who are:

• Calm and emotionally resilient
• Confident supporting children with challenging behaviours
• Comfortable working with children and young people with autism and additional needs
• Reliable and professional
• Able to adapt to different care environments
• Passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable young people

Requirements

To be considered for these agency opportunities, you will need:

• To be 21 years of age or over
• At least 6 months' experience working with children or young people in a residential setting
• A clean UK driving licence
• The flexibility to work long days, weekends and sleep-in shifts when required
• A genuine commitment to working with vulnerable children and young people

Why Work With Us?

• Flexible temporary agency shifts
• Opportunity to work across a variety of residential childcare settings
• Gain experience working with children with a range of complex needs
• Build your experience within the residential childcare sector
• Potential opportunities for ongoing and permanent work
• Support from your dedicated recruitment team
• Opportunity to make a genuine difference to vulnerable young people's lives

If you're an experienced Residential Support Worker looking for flexible agency work and are passionate about supporting children and young people, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today to discuss available shifts and opportunities in your area.

Job Title: Senior Residential Care Worker
Locations: Whitchurch, SY13
Salary: £16/hour + £65 per sleep-in
Rota: 2 days on, 4 days off
Contract: Full-time (includes evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins)

About the Role
Our client provides specialist residential care for children affected by emotional and behavioural difficulties due to neglect, abuse, or trauma click apply for full job details

We are working in partnership with a provider of children s services and have a permanent opportunity for a Residential Children's Worker based in Northumberland. If successful, you will be working as part of a team providing support to children with social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties within a children's home. This is an opportunity to join a supportive employer with genuine opportunities to progress.

This is a permanent position working 40 hours per week plus sleep-ins. Previous experience is not essential, so if you are looking to start your career as a Residential Children s Worker, our client can promise a nurturing, supportive and fun working environment. If you are already an established Residential Children s Worker, our client may be able to offer progression into a Senior Role as and when the time is right.

Alongside countless benefits and progression opportunities, our client is paying between £12.50 - £13.50 plus sleep-ins.

As a Residential Children's Worker your responsibilities will include:

• Provide support using a person centred approach.
• Support the children to maintain and develop relationships with friends and family.
• Encourage the children to integrate with the local community by attending clubs or day centres.
• Support the children in all aspects of their daily living.
• Safeguard vulnerable children and report any suspicion or evidence of harm.
• Continuous commitment to professional development.
• To be willing to cover other homes when required.
• Liaise with parents and/or carers and other professionals.

Our client is offering a whole range of benefits, including:

• Overtime opportunities.
• Company car.
• Progression opportunities.
• Paid enrolment onto Level 3.

To take the next step in your career, apply today for a conversation with our Residential specialist Tom Lane.

Not for you? Refer your friends and family and as our way of saying thank you, we will give you a referral bonus.

Senior Childcare Worker

Location: Cottam, Preston (PR4)
Salary:£41,346 per annum
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent

P4 Recruitment is delighted to be partnering with a well-established children's residential care provider to recruit a Senior Childcare Worker for a residential home in Cottam, Preston click apply for full job details

About the Role

We're recruiting on behalf of a specialist therapeutic children's residential home providing high-quality care and support for young people with complex emotional and behavioural needs.

The home offers a therapeutic, trauma-informed environment where staff work together to build positive relationships, promote emotional wellbeing and help young people achieve positive outcomes.

This is an ideal opportunity for caring, resilient individuals who are passionate about supporting vulnerable young people and making a lasting difference in their lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people.
• Provide emotional, practical and social support, encouraging independence and community engagement.
• Act as a positive role model through your behaviour, communication and emotional regulation.
• Keep young people engaged through meaningful activities and structured routines.
• Use therapeutic approaches and effective de-escalation techniques to manage challenging situations safely.
• Follow Behaviour Support Plans, Individual Care Plans and Risk Assessments at all times.
• Maintain consistent routines and appropriate boundaries to help young people feel safe and secure.
• Complete accurate daily records, incident reports and care documentation.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and external professionals to deliver outstanding care.
• Contribute to creating a safe, nurturing and therapeutic home environment.

Shift Patterns

• Set day shifts: 10:00am 10:00pm
• Set waking night shifts: 10:00pm 10:00am
• Part-Time: 3:00pm 8:00pm (minimum 25 hours per week)
• Sleep-in shifts may be required when working back-to-back shifts.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for compassionate, patient and resilient individuals who understand the importance of relationship-based care.

Experience or knowledge of the following would be highly desirable:

• Therapeutic approaches to supporting young people.
• PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy).
• De-escalation and safe physical intervention techniques.
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice and recognising individual triggers.
• Using non-judgemental, child-centred communication.

A Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care or Residential Childcare is advantageous but not essential.

Essential Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must:

• Hold a full UK driving licence
• Have a current DBS registered on the Update Service or willing to obtain one
• Have at least 6 months' experience working with children or young people in one of the following settings: Children's Residential Care / SEN Schools / Youth Work / Children's Care or Support Services
• Have a good understanding of de-escalation techniques and managing challenging behaviour.
• Be committed to completing the Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare if not already qualified.
• Be flexible to work a rota including long days, waking nights, weekends and sleep-ins where required.

What You'll Receive

• Full induction and ongoing training.
• Funded Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare.
• Career progression opportunities within a growing organisation.
• The opportunity to work in a therapeutic, child-focused environment.

Apply Today

If you're passionate about supporting children and young people to reach their full potential and thrive in a therapeutic residential setting, we'd love to hear from you. Join a team where your commitment, compassion and resilience can truly change lives.

Children s Residential Support Worker

Location: Greenford (UB6)
Pay: £13.50p/h + £50 sleep in
Shift Patterns: 24.5hr 14hr 10hr Wake Night

Are you a passionate and experienced support worker looking to make a lasting impact in the lives of vulnerable young people?

We are recruiting dedicated Children s Residential Support Workers for a warm and supportive 3-bed EBD home in Greenford The home provides care for children and young people aged 7-17 who have experienced extreme disadvantages, including trauma, mental health challenges, neglect, abuse, and placement breakdowns.

• Provide consistent care and emotional support to children with complex emotional and behavioural needs (EBD)

• Promote a safe, nurturing environment to help young people thrive

• Implement care plans and work closely with the wider staff and therapeutic team

• Support with daily routines, activities, education, and independent living skills

• Maintain accurate records and uphold safeguarding practices

• Minimum 1 year experience supporting children or young people with EBD or similar complex needs within a Childrens Home

• Ideally hold a Level 3 NVQ/Diploma in Health & Social Care (Children & Young People) or equivalent (or working towards it)

• Flexible availability to work a combination of the following shiftsincludign occassional weekends and sleep-ins

• Strong understanding of safeguarding, behaviour management, and trauma-informed care

• Calm, resilient, and compassionate approach to care

Support Worker - Specialist Residential Care

Location: Greater Manchester
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Are you compassionate, resilient, and committed to making a positive difference in the lives of children, young people, and adults with additional needs?

We are looking for dedicated Support Workers to join a specialist care team supporting individuals with autism, learning disabilities, and complex health needs within residential and supported living services.

About the Role

As a Residential Support Worker, you will help create a safe, caring and supportive environment where individuals can develop confidence, independence and life skills. Every day is different, with opportunities to support people in achieving their personal goals, accessing activities, building relationships and enjoying fulfilling lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide person-centred care and support tailored to individual needs.
• Support daily living activities and social engagement.
• Safeguard and advocate for the people you support.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to care planning.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, families and external professionals.
• Respond positively and calmly to challenging situations when required.

About You

• Experience supporting children, young people, or adults with additional needs is desirable.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• A caring, patient and non-judgemental approach.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt to changing situations.
• Commitment to professional development and training.
• Flexibility to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, public holidays and occasional sleep-in duties.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and enhanced rates for certain shifts.
• Paid training and recognised qualifications.
• Career progression opportunities within a growing organisation.
• Employee wellbeing and assistance programmes.
• Recognition and reward schemes.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are passionate about delivering high-quality support and helping people achieve the best possible outcomes in a rewarding and meaningful role.

Childrens Residential Support Worker

Salary: £27,976.00 - £33,435.04 Higher end of the salary is inclusive of two sleep ins per week and a level 3 QCF in Children Residential and/or equivalent

Hourly Rate: £13.45 Per Hour (Unqualified) £13.77 Per Hour (Qualified)

Location: Bicester, Oxfordshire
Contract: Full Time, Permanent

Looking for Something More Rewarding?

Do you thrive in fast-paced environments click apply for full job details

Residential Support Worker - Children's Residential Home

Location:Gobowen, Shropshire
Salary: 27,000 per annum (including sleep-in payments)
Shift Pattern: 2 days on, 4 days off
Hours: Full Time Permanent
Service Type: 3-bed Children's EBD Home

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Residential Support Worker to join a small, specialist children's residential service in Gobowen, Shropshire. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced care professional to make a meaningful difference supporting children and young people with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD).

Working within a nurturing 3-bed children's home, you will provide high-quality care, support, and guidance to young people, helping them develop independence, confidence, and positive relationships. You will work as part of a committed team to create a safe, stable, and supportive home environment where children can thrive.

The role follows a 2 days on, 4 days off shift pattern, providing a great work-life balance. The salary package of 27,000 per annum includes sleep-in payments .

Key Responsibilities

Provide consistent, person-centred care and support to children and young people living within the home
Build positive, trusting relationships with young people, acting as a role model and source of guidance
Support children with emotional regulation, behavioural challenges, and complex needs
Promote independence, confidence, and life skills development
Follow individual care plans, risk assessments, and placement plans
Support young people with daily routines, education, hobbies, activities, and appointments
Encourage positive behaviour through therapeutic and trauma-informed approaches
Maintain accurate records, including daily logs, incident reports, and safeguarding documentation
Work effectively alongside colleagues, managers, families, and external professionals
Promote safeguarding and ensure the wellbeing and safety of every young person

About You

We are looking for someone who is passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people and who can provide stability, consistency, and care within a residential setting.

You will ideally have:

Experience working with children or young people within a residential, supported living, education, or care environment
A strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection practices
The ability to manage challenging behaviours with patience, empathy, and resilience
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
A positive, proactive approach and the ability to work as part of a team
A genuine passion for helping young people achieve their potential

Desirable Experience

Previous experience within a children's residential home
Experience supporting young people with EBD, trauma, attachment difficulties, or complex behaviours
Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or willingness to work towards this qualification)

What's Offered

27,000 annual salary including sleep-in payments
2 days on / 4 days off shift pattern
Full-time permanent position
Opportunity to make a genuine difference in young people's lives
Supportive team environment within a small residential home
Training and development opportunities
Career progression within children's residential care

If you are passionate about supporting children and young people and want to be part of a service focused on creating positive outcomes, we would love to hear from you.

Search is an equal opportunities recruiter and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified applicants, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age.