Residential Support Worker (Qualified)

As a Qualified Residential Support Worker at Stepping Stones Care, you will provide emotional, behavioural and practical support to children and young people living in our residential homes. You will help create a safe, nurturing and structured environment where children can heal, grow and develop the skills they need for a brighter future.

You will deliver therapeutic care, support individual care plans, encourage positive relationships and promote engagement in education and recreational activities. Working closely with colleagues, social workers, therapists and education providers, you will help ensure every child receives the personalised support they need to thrive.

You will also take on a keyworker role, monitor and record progress, contribute to meetings and support the ongoing development of care within the home.

You are a compassionate, patient and resilient individual who is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people. You understand the importance of building trusting relationships, providing consistent support and responding to challenging situations with empathy and professionalism.

You will share the DNA of a Stepping Stones Carer:

• Inquisitive
• Patient
• Nurturing
• Resilient
• Kind
• Playful
• Enthusiastic

You will be a reliable team player who can also use your own initiative, communicate effectively and remain calm under pressure. You will be committed to safeguarding, therapeutic care and your own continued professional development.

• NVQ Level 3 or 4 in Children and Young People’s Workforce, or an acceptable equivalent qualification.
• Commitment to behaviour management training and refresher courses.
• Ability to maintain an Emergency First Aid qualification.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to complete reports, maintain records and contribute to meeting minutes.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and therapeutically focused environment.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative within agreed parameters.
• Understanding of safeguarding, relevant policies and procedures, and associated practices.
• Empathy, patience and a non-judgemental approach when supporting children and young people.
• Strong organisational, time management and prioritisation skills.
• Reliability and flexibility to work an agreed shift pattern, including sleep-ins and weekends.
• Commitment to providing high-quality care and maintaining continuous professional development.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to challenging or high-pressure situations.
• Willingness to undertake keyworker responsibilities and contribute to children’s plans, reviews and meetings.
• Ability to support children’s daily living skills, education, personal development and recreational activities.
• Willingness to administer medication following appropriate training.

• Experience working within an Ofsted-registered children’s home.
• Knowledge and experience of supporting children with complex trauma, emotional needs and behavioural challenges.
• Experience of person-centred planning and its application to supporting children and young people.
• Experience of delivering keywork sessions and contributing to individual care plans.
• Understanding of Children in Care reviews (LAC), Personal Education Plans (PEP) and Seek to Understand meetings.
• Experience supporting and mentoring new starters, inductees and unqualified carers.
• Understanding of a home’s Statement of Purpose and Development Plan.
• Willingness to take on additional responsibilities, such as health and safety, vehicle management, COSHH and Legionella control.
• Enrolled on, or working towards, a Level 4 qualification in Children and Young People’s Workforce.