Residential Support Worker

Location: Crawley, West Sussex

Contract: Full Time, permanent

Specific Hours: 40 hours per week - shift pattern

Starting Salary:

• Base salary of £27,929.36 with the potential to earn up to £29,609.36 with sleep in shifts
• Salary after probation: Base salary of £29,088.80 with the potential to earn up to £30,768.80 with sleep in shifts

About Us:

Apple Orchard operates five residential homes across Surrey and West Sussex, set in peaceful rural surroundings. We provide nurturing, therapeutic homes for boys aged 12-18, many of whom have experienced significant trauma or disruption in their early lives. You'll help young people heal, grow, and reach their potential. You'll be part of a team that celebrates small wins, values individual contributions, and provides a safe, caring environment for everyone - including staff.

We're looking for compassionate, resilient and enthusiastic individuals to join our dedicated team of Residential Childcare Support Workers. Whether you're experienced or new to the role, if you're passionate about helping young people thrive, we want to hear from you.

What You'll Do:

As a Support Worker, you'll play a vital role in the daily life of the young people we care for. You'll:

• Provide a safe, nurturing, and supportive home environment
• Plan and lead engaging activities to promote development and confidence
• Build trusting, stable relationships with young people, guiding them toward independence
• Keep clear and accurate records of behaviour, progress, and achievements
• Collaborate with local authorities and external professionals to ensure excellent standards of care
• Work as part of a committed, energetic team - supporting each other and contributing to a positive home culture

What We're Looking For:

Essential:

• A passion for making a positive impact on young lives
• Experience working with teenagers or challenging behaviours (preferred)
• Flexibility to work varied shifts (including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins)
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (essential due to rural locations)

Desirable:

• Hold Residential Childcare/Families Practitioner Diploma/Children and Young People's Workforce/NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent - or be willing to work towards a required qualification
• Ability to manage behaviour with calmness and empathy
• Strong communication skills - both written and verbal
• A team player with a good sense of humour and emotional resilience
• Ability to follow procedures, write reports, and contribute to care plans

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and sleep-in allowances (£35 per night, typically one per week)
• Every other weekend off
• Fully funded qualifications and professional development
• Clear promotion pathways and career progression
• Company pension
• Access to employee discount and wellbeing programmes

Apple Orchard is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position.

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