Residential Support Worker – Children’s Residential Home (Learning Disabilities & Complex Needs)

Location: Hucknall
Hours: 37 hours per week, averaged over the month (including evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-ins).
Salary: 25,000 -28,000 depending on experience.

Additional benefits:

*Opportunity for career progression *Pay progression scheme *Additional sleepover rate not included in salary *Potential overtime hours *28 days  annual leave per year *Meals provided *Company pension scheme * Birthday Bonus day off.

About Us

At Moving Forward Therapeutic Care, we are passionate about supporting children and young people with learning disabilities to live safe, fulfilling, and empowered lives. Our homes provide stable, nurturing environments where each child’s individual needs are understood, respected, and met with compassion and consistency.

We are opening a brand-new residential children’s home for three children with learning disabilities and are seeking committed and compassionate Residential Support Workers to join our team. This is a meaningful opportunity to make a real difference in children’s lives by providing consistent care, emotional support, and a safe, inclusive environment where each child can thrive.

About the Role

To work as part of a dedicated team providing high-quality, person-centred, and child-focused care to children with learning disabilities, autism, communication difficulties, and complex needs. As a Residential Support Worker, you will help ensure that care is safe, consistent, respectful, and tailored to each child’s individual care plan — including personal care, health needs, emotional support, and daily routines.

You will play a vital role in creating and maintaining a positive, nurturing, and structured environment where children feel safe, valued, and empowered to achieve their potential. You’ll build trusting relationships, promote emotional well-being, and support children in developing life skills and confidence.

Residential Support Workers contribute to the home’s overall ethos, values, and high standards of care. Your role will include following safeguarding procedures, maintaining clear and accurate records, and working in line with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, the Quality Standards, and other relevant statutory guidance.

By modelling positive behaviour, responding calmly to challenges, and working closely with your colleagues, you will help ensure that every child experiences stability, understanding, and the opportunity to build a brighter future.

If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, personalised care for children with learning disabilities, autism, and sensory processing needs.
• Support children with personal care, health needs, and daily routines in a respectful, empowering way.
• Be a positive role model, helping children build independence, develop life skills, and feel safe and nurtured.
• Use total communication approaches (PECS, Makaton, visual supports) and advocate for each child’s voice.
• Promote healthy routines and nutritious meals, involving children in meal planning and preparation.
• Plan and engage children in fun, creative, and meaningful activities that promote inclusion and development.
• Act as a key worker, building strong relationships and supporting multi-agency care plans.
• Safeguard children proactively and support behaviour positively using trauma-informed, attachment-aware approaches.
• Work as part of a team to ensure smooth and safe daily operations, including completing tasks and responsibilities during shifts.
• Follow safeguarding procedures and contribute to maintaining a culture of safety and protection for all children.
• Maintain accurate, professional records and work in line with Ofsted and the Children’s Homes Regulations.

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or willingness to complete within 2 years)
• Experience working with vulnerable children or young people
• Strong communication skills and emotional resilience
• Understanding of safeguarding, trauma-informed care, and positive behaviour support
• A passion for making a difference in children’s lives
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable:

• Experience in residential childcare
• Knowledge of learning disabilities, autism, sensory processing, or PBS
• Training in Makaton, PECS, first aid, or sensory integration

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and sleep-in allowance
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• Supportive and inclusive team culture
• Opportunities for career progression within a growing organisation
• Pension scheme and employee wellbeing support

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a supportive, therapeutic team that values your well-being and development
• Ongoing training and progression opportunities
• Additional pay for sleep-ins and potential overtime
• A chance to genuinely change lives

Safeguarding Commitment

Moving Forward Therapeutic Care is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment. We follow safer recruitment practices in line with ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ and Working Together to Safeguard Children

This post is subject to:

• An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including checks against the barred lists for children.
• Receipt of two satisfactory references, including one from your most recent employer.
• Verification of identity, right to work in the UK, and relevant qualifications.
• Completion of a full employment history, with any gaps explained and verified.
• Confirmation of medical fitness to work.
• Online searches of google and social media platforms. 
  

Any offer of employment will be conditional upon the above being satisfied.

Moving Forward Therapeutic Care is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.