Residential Support Worker
Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
£13.22 to £14.14 per hour
Contracted to 160 hours per month

This is a Residential Support Worker position within a children’s home supporting young people who need consistency, boundaries and adults who genuinely care about the job being done well. The environment is structured and supportive, with experienced leadership and a team that understands how important relationships are in this line of work.

You’ll be working directly with young people, helping them with everyday life. That might mean supporting them to attend school, cooking together in the evening, getting out for activities, attending meetings with professionals, or simply being present when they need someone to talk to.

The Shift Pattern

The rota follows a 1 on, 2 off pattern, starting at 8am, which means you work long shifts but benefit from consistent time off between them.

Sleep-ins are part of the role and paid at £50 per night.

Many staff like this pattern because it gives you proper time away from work while still providing stability for the young people.

Pay

Hourly rate: £13.22 to £14.14 per hour
Contract: 160 hours per month

Overtime is available and paid at £15.72 to £16.64 per hour.

Most people end up picking up an extra shift occasionally. With one overtime shift per month, example annual earnings typically land around: £34,826.40 to £36,760

Sleep-ins are paid separately at £50 per night.

Progression and Pay Reviews

Progression here isn’t vague or left to chance.

Pay increases are based on demonstrated development within the role. The Registered Manager reviews performance against clear expectations, with targets agreed through Personal Development Plans and annual appraisals.

Pay reviews take place twice a year in March and October.

Staff who pass probation move to the next band at the earliest available review point. For example, if probation is completed in August, the increase would apply from October.

It’s simple, transparent and fair. Staff know where they stand and what progression looks like.

What the role involves

Day to day responsibilities include:

• Supporting young people with routines, education and daily life

• Building positive relationships that help young people feel secure

• Encouraging independence, confidence and healthy lifestyles

• Attending meetings with social workers and professionals

• Recording key information and contributing to care planning

• Maintaining a safe, welcoming home environment

• Supporting activities, hobbies and community engagement

• Working as part of a committed and supportive team

What you’ll receive

Alongside salary and overtime opportunities, staff benefit from a range of support and recognition:

• Paid face to face training

• Company pension scheme

• Employment Assistance Programme

• Annual appraisal bonus

• Probation completion bonus

• Ofsted inspection bonus

• Referral bonus for recommending new colleagues

• Paid Christmas party each year

• Additional 8 hours annual leave for your birthday

The provider places a lot of value on staff development and retention. Training is delivered in person where possible, and leadership within the service is visible and accessible.

You’re never expected to just “figure it out”.

Who tends to do well here

People who succeed in this role usually bring a mix of patience, humour, reliability and emotional intelligence.

They’re the type who can hold boundaries but still be approachable. The type who can have a laugh with a young person one moment and write a clear incident report the next.

Residential childcare needs adults who are consistent, reflective and willing to keep learning. If that sounds like you, you’ll fit right in.

Requirements

• Experience working with young people in residential care or a similar setting is beneficial.

• A Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare is welcomed, though support with training may be available for the right candidate.

• You’ll need good written communication skills for recording and reports, and the ability to work collaboratively with the wider team and professionals involved in the young person’s care.

• A full UK driving licence is helpful as activities and appointments are part of daily life in the home.

And if you’re looking for a home where leadership is present, expectations are clear and people genuinely care about doing the work properly… this might be worth exploring.