About the Role
We are looking for compassionate, resilient and dedicated Children's Residential Support Workers to join our team in Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas. This is a genuinely rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful, day-to-day difference in the lives of children and young people with Learning Disability (LD), Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD) and complex needs.
Working within an Ofsted-registered children's residential home, you will provide high-quality care, emotional support and positive guidance — helping each young person to feel safe, valued and empowered to build a brighter future. You will be supported by a Support Worker Team Leader and a wider multi-disciplinary team.
Whether you are an experienced practitioner or an enthusiastic individual with the right values and a relevant qualification, we want to hear from you. Full training and ongoing professional development will be provided.
Key Responsibilities
Day-to-Day Care & Support
- Provide consistent, high-quality day-to-day care and emotional support to children and young people in the residential home
- Create a safe, warm and nurturing environment that promotes the physical, emotional and social wellbeing of all residents
- Support young people with daily living activities including personal hygiene, meal preparation and medication management where required
- Assist children in developing and maintaining independent living skills in preparation for adulthood
- Accompany and support young people in educational, recreational, community and social activities
Care Planning & Individual Support
- Contribute to the development and implementation of individual care plans tailored to each child's needs and aspirations
- Actively support the goals, wishes and feelings of each young person, placing them at the centre of their care
- Monitor young people's progress and wellbeing, reporting any changes or concerns to senior staff promptly
- Participate in reviews and meetings as required, contributing meaningful observations about each young person
Behaviour Management & Safeguarding
- Manage challenging behaviours calmly and constructively using approved, trauma-informed techniques and interventions
- Uphold all safeguarding and child protection procedures, raising concerns immediately with the designated person
- Follow risk assessments, behaviour management plans and missing-from-care protocols consistently
- Ensure full compliance with health and safety regulations within the home at all times
Recording & Communication
- Maintain accurate, clear and timely records and documentation in line with regulatory requirements
- Communicate effectively with colleagues, managers and external professionals to ensure continuity of care
- Foster positive, professional relationships with young people's families and involved agencies
- Handover key information clearly and thoroughly at shift changes
Teamwork & Professional Development
- Work collaboratively as part of the residential team, supporting colleagues and contributing to a positive staff culture
- Attend and actively engage in regular supervision sessions and team meetings
- Participate in all mandatory and developmental training as required
- Commit to continuous professional development and reflective practice
Person Specification
Essential Requirements
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, Children & Young People's Workforce, or equivalent (NVQ Level 3 Social Care)
- Minimum 1 year's experience in a residential childcare or support environment
- Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection principles
- Ability to manage and de-escalate challenging behaviours calmly and professionally
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- High level of emotional intelligence, patience and resilience
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently
- Flexibility to work varying shifts including evenings, weekends and bank holidays
- Enhanced DBS check on the Update Service (children's workforce)
- Right to work in the United Kingdom
- GCSE English or equivalent literacy and numeracy
Desirable Attributes
- 2 years' experience in a residential childcare setting
- Experience working with children with EBD or complex needs
- Knowledge of Children's Homes Regulations 2015 and Ofsted standards
- Trauma-informed or therapeutic care training (e.g. PACE, Team Teach)
- Full UK driving licence
- Working towards or willing to undertake Level 3 or Level 4 qualification
- First aid certificate
Key Competencies
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and a short cover letter to careers@westone.care explaining your experience with children and young people, your motivation for the role, and how your skills match the person specification above.
All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, an Enhanced DBS check and proof of right to work in the UK. We are committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all children and young people in our care.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, faiths, orientations and gender identities. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive and supportive working environment.