Senior Support Worker – Residential Home – Redbridge

We are seeking a compassionate, experienced and motivated Senior Support Worker to join a dedicated residential care team in the London Borough of Redbridge.

This rewarding role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, young people and vulnerable adults, providing high-quality, person-centred support that promotes independence, dignity, wellbeing and personal development.

As a Senior Support Worker, you will combine hands-on care responsibilities with first-line leadership, supporting and mentoring a small team of Support Workers while helping to maintain a safe, nurturing and inclusive residential environment.

Working closely with the Care Manager and Registered Manager, you will oversee day-to-day care delivery, contribute to individual support planning, promote safeguarding and ensure that each person receives care tailored to their needs, preferences and aspirations.

The successful candidate will have at least three years’ experience within a care setting, a relevant Level 3 qualification and the confidence to lead by example. You will be adaptable, resilient and approachable, with strong communication skills and a genuine commitment to supporting individuals to achieve positive outcomes.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Support Worker looking to take the next step in their career, or an established Senior Support Worker seeking a varied and fulfilling position with opportunities for professional development and progression.

Leadership and Team Supervision

• Provide first-line supervision and day-to-day leadership to a small team of Support Workers, promoting high standards of care and professional practice.
• Lead by example, providing guidance, coaching and mentoring to support staff confidence, competence and development.
• Support the Care Manager and Registered Manager in coordinating daily activities, allocating responsibilities and maintaining effective service delivery.
• Promote positive teamwork, clear communication and a supportive working environment.
• Assist with the induction, training and ongoing development of new and existing staff.
• Identify and escalate concerns relating to staff performance, care quality or service delivery in accordance with organisational procedures.

• Ensure that existing and newly referred residents receive safe, compassionate and individualised care that reflects their needs, preferences and personal goals.
• Develop, implement and regularly review individual care plans, support plans and risk assessments, ensuring records remain accurate and up to date.
• Promote independence, choice, dignity and self-advocacy, encouraging individuals to participate actively in decisions affecting their lives.
• Support residents with personal care, mobility, nutrition, emotional wellbeing and daily living activities according to their assessed needs.
• Encourage the development of practical life skills, confidence and independence through positive and consistent support.
• Plan and facilitate meaningful recreational, educational and social activities, including community outings and holidays where appropriate.
• Build trusting, professional relationships with residents, their families and other individuals involved in their care.
• Promote a positive, inclusive and homely environment that supports residents' physical, emotional and social wellbeing.

• Promote and uphold safeguarding responsibilities, ensuring the safety and welfare of all residents.
• Recognise, respond to and report safeguarding concerns, incidents and changes in individual needs in accordance with organisational policies and statutory requirements.
• Follow relevant regulatory standards, safeguarding legislation and best practice appropriate to the residential service.
• Administer, record and monitor medication safely in accordance with individual care plans, organisational procedures and relevant training.
• Support the implementation and review of risk assessments, ensuring appropriate measures are in place to protect residents and staff.
• Maintain accurate, timely and confidential care records, incident reports and other required documentation.
• Promote safe working practices, infection prevention and control, and compliance with health and safety procedures.
• Respond calmly and professionally to challenging situations, using positive behaviour support and appropriate de-escalation techniques.

• Contribute to the smooth day-to-day running of the residential home, ensuring a safe, welcoming and well-maintained environment.
• Support household responsibilities, including meal preparation, cleaning, laundry and general domestic activities, encouraging resident participation where appropriate.
• Assist with the planning and coordination of appointments, activities, transport and other practical arrangements.
• Participate in on-call arrangements and sleep-in duties where required.
• Work collaboratively with the Care Manager and Registered Manager to identify opportunities for service improvement and development.
• Liaise professionally with social workers, healthcare professionals, families, commissioners and other relevant stakeholders.
• Support appropriate service promotion and referral activities as directed by management.
• Uphold organisational values, confidentiality and professional standards in all aspects of the role.

Essential

• A minimum of three years' experience working within a residential care, supported living or relevant Health and Social Care setting.
• Experience supporting children, young people or vulnerable adults with a range of physical, emotional, behavioural or social care needs.
• Experience providing guidance, mentoring or supervision to colleagues, with the confidence to take responsibility for day-to-day team coordination.
• Sound understanding of safeguarding responsibilities, relevant care standards and person-centred support.
• Knowledge of the regulatory requirements applicable to the service, including Ofsted requirements where relevant.
• Experience developing, implementing and reviewing individual care plans, support plans and risk assessments.
• Ability to promote independence, dignity, choice and positive outcomes for residents.
• Understanding of positive behaviour support, professional boundaries and appropriate responses to behaviours of concern.
• Ability to remain calm, resilient and professional when responding to challenging or unexpected situations.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise responsibilities in a busy residential environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including accurate record-keeping and professional reporting.
• Ability to work effectively with families, colleagues, external professionals and multidisciplinary teams.
• A compassionate, patient and non-judgemental approach, with a genuine commitment to delivering high-quality care.
• Flexibility, reliability and the ability to work independently while contributing positively to a wider team.

• Previous experience working as a Senior Support Worker, Team Leader or Shift Leader within a residential care environment.
• Experience supporting individuals with complex needs, learning disabilities, autism, emotional or behavioural difficulties.
• Experience participating in regulatory inspections, quality assurance activities or service improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and therapeutic approaches to supporting vulnerable individuals.
• Experience administering medication and maintaining associated records.
• Full UK driving licence, preferably without endorsements.

• Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care, Children and Young People's Workforce, Residential Childcare or an equivalent qualification relevant to the service.
• GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above, or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths.
• Additional qualifications in leadership, management, residential care or specialist support are desirable.

• Current safeguarding training appropriate to the age group and needs of residents.
• Up-to-date training in medication administration where this forms part of the role, or willingness to complete training and competency assessment before undertaking these duties.
• Commitment to maintaining relevant mandatory training and participating in ongoing professional development.

• Safeguarding Children Level 3 or Safeguarding Adults Level 3 training, as appropriate to the service.
• Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and de-escalation training.
• Trauma-Informed Practice training.
• First Aid or Emergency First Aid training appropriate to the care setting.
• Moving and Handling training.
• Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards training, where relevant.
• Training in autism, learning disabilities, mental health or supporting individuals with complex needs.
• Leadership, Team Supervision or Care Management training.

• Commitment to continuous professional development.
• Physically able to carry out the requirements of the role.
• Flexibility to work various shifts as needed.
• Enhanced DBS on the update service (or willingness to apply for one)*.