Residential Support Worker – Children’s Home

Location: Bedford, Kempston
Salary: From £12.21 per hour (wake night rate £15.00 per hour)

Contract: Full-Time / Shift Work
Reporting To: Registered Manager

The Opportunity

Joneshouse Recruitment is currently recruiting for a Residential Support Worker to join a children’s residential home in Bedford (Kempston).

This role involves supporting children and young people within an Ofsted-regulated environment, helping to create a safe, stable, and nurturing home where they can develop confidence, independence, and positive life skills.

Although the role can be physically and emotionally demanding, it is highly rewarding, offering the opportunity to build strong relationships with young people and make a meaningful difference in their lives.

About the Role

As a Residential Support Worker, you will work as part of a dedicated care team providing day-to-day support to children and young people.

You will help implement individual care plans, promote wellbeing, and ensure the home operates in line with safeguarding regulations, Ofsted standards, and best practice guidance.

The role focuses on delivering high-quality, child-centred care while promoting equality, diversity, and respect for all individuals within the home.

Key Responsibilities

Supporting Young People

• Build safe, supportive relationships with children and young people

• Follow the home’s residential “parenting” approach

• Support young people to engage in education, hobbies, and activities

• Encourage young people’s participation and involvement in decisions affecting them

• Promote positive relationships with families where appropriate

• Use positive behaviour support and trauma-informed approaches

Home Environment

• Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming home environment

• Support daily routines including meal preparation, cleaning, and organisation

• Encourage young people to take part in appropriate household responsibilities

• Report any maintenance, health, or safety concerns promptly

Care Delivery & Safeguarding

• Deliver care in line with care plans, safeguarding policies, and professional guidance

• Administer medication in line with training and policy

• Respond to incidents calmly and appropriately

• Maintain accurate records including daily logs, incident reports, and care documentation

• Participate in staff handovers and communicate key information effectively

Team Support

• Support Key Worker responsibilities

• Act as the shift point of contact when senior staff are unavailable, following procedures

• Work collaboratively with colleagues and professionals involved in the young person’s care

Shift Patterns

The role requires flexible shift work, including evenings, nights, weekends, and bank holidays.

Typical shifts include:

• 24.5-hour shift: 7:30am – 8:00am the following morning (sleep-in at midnight)

• 14-hour shift: 7:30am – 9:30pm

• 20-hour shift: 12:00pm – 8:00am the following morning (sleep-in at midnight)

• Wake Night Shift: 9:00pm – 8:00am

Pay Rates

• 24.5-hour shift: £299.15 per shift (£12.21 per hour)

• 14-hour shift: £170.94 per shift (£12.21 per hour)

• 20-hour shift: £244.20 per shift (£12.21 per hour)

• Wake night shift: £165 per shift (£15.00 per hour)

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you should have:

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 in Children and Young People’s Workforce (or equivalent) preferred

Experience

• Experience working in residential childcare or similar care settings is desirable

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong communication and teamwork skills

• Understanding of safeguarding, behaviour management, and trauma-informed care

• Ability to remain calm and supportive in challenging situations

Professional Development

• Willingness to undertake training and progress towards senior roles within residential childcare

How to Apply

If you are passionate about supporting children and young people and want to make a positive difference in their lives, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today through Joneshouse Recruitment to begin your career in residential childcare.

Joneshouse Recruitment is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check.b

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