Senior Support Worker - Children's Home

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Senior Support Worker - Children's Home
Health & Social Care Exeter Permanent Apr 29, 2026

Health & Social Care

Senior Residential Support Worker – Children’s Home (EBD)
Location: Exeter
Salary: £31,000 – £39,400 + Sleep-ins + Overtime
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Hours: Shift-based (including evenings, weekends & sleep-ins)

Overview
We are recruiting for a compassionate and experienced Senior Residential Support Worker to join a therapeutic children’s home in Exeter. This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a leadership role within a supportive, values-driven environment focused on delivering high-quality, trauma-informed care.

You’ll play a key role in supporting children and young people who have experienced trauma, helping them build confidence, develop life skills, and achieve positive outcomes.

The Role
As a Senior Residential Support Worker, you will lead shifts, support and mentor staff, and ensure the highest standards of care are consistently delivered. You’ll act as a positive role model within the home, contributing to a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where young people can thrive.

You’ll also work closely with the management team, with opportunities to step up and support at Deputy Manager level when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day care and emotional support to children and young people
• Lead shifts and maintain high standards of practice
• Support, mentor, and guide Residential Support Workers
• Contribute to care plans, risk assessments, and placement planning
• Promote positive behaviour using therapeutic approaches (including PACE)
• Ensure all safeguarding concerns are identified, recorded, and reported appropriately
• Maintain accurate records, logs, and reports
• Work collaboratively with the wider team to uphold quality and compliance
• Support the ongoing development and improvement of the home

About You

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent in Children & Young People)
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in residential childcare
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection
• Experience leading shifts and supporting staff
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Passionate about delivering child-centred, trauma-informed care
• Resilient, empathetic, and reliable
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable

• Previous senior or supervisory experience
• Additional training (e.g. Team Teach, First Aid)

Salary & Benefits

• Salary: £31,000 – £39,400 per annum
• 169 contracted hours per month (£15.30 per hour)
• Average 10 sleep-ins per month paid at £70 per shift (£8,400 annually)
• Overtime paid at 1.5x hourly rate
• Bonus opportunities
• Pension contributions
• 28 days annual leave rising to 35 days
• Additional day off for your birthday
• Flexible benefits package
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Blue Light Card discounts
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Free meals on shift
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training
• Monthly supervision and strong management support
• Clear progression opportunities within a growing organisation

If you’re a dedicated Senior Support Worker looking to take the next step in a supportive, therapeutic environment, we’d love to hear from you. At RJS, we partner with values-driven children’s home providers across the UK and consistently work on a wide range of exciting opportunities at all levels. Get in touch with us today to discuss this role or explore our wider portfolio of vacancies.