Residential Support Worker

Do you want a career where you can make a lasting impact, take on meaningful challenges and build long-term professional skills? Work together with us to re-parent traumatised young people, supporting them to achieve their aspirations, whilst we support you to achieve yours!

Looking for a rewarding career change or already have experience in residential childcare, we want to hear from you! We provide full training, supervision and professional qualifications to support you succeed. What matters most is empathy, resilience and the motivation to help young people succeed.

At SWAAY, we don't just provide residential care - we create homes where children feel safe, valued and understood. We are proud of our child-centred approach and commitment to trauma-informed practice. For over 30 years, we have delivered specialist residential care, education and therapy for young males aged 11-18 who have experienced significant trauma and displayed harmful sexual behaviour. Our work focuses on reducing risk, addressing complex needs and empowering young people to move forward into safe, responsible and fulfilling adult lives.

What you'll do as a Residential Support Worker:

- Provide stability and act as a positive role model for young people

- Maintain clear and consistent boundaries so young people feel safe and secure

- Teach practical life skills: cooking, budgeting, preparing for independence

- Encourage hobbies, positive routines and healthy lifestyles

- Support emotional and behavioural development through trauma-informed approaches

- Celebrate achievements and personal milestones

- Recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns

No two days are the same, some are incredibly rewarding, some are challenging - but you are not expected to manage alone. You will work within a team and receive regular training, guidance and supervision.

An NVQ Level 3 or 4 in Residential Childcare is desirable - but if you don't yet hold this qualification, we will fully fund and support you to achieve it

You'll make a great Residential Support Worker if you:

- Communicate clearly and respectfully

- Respond with patience

- Are resilient and reflective

- Are reliable - the young people you support are relying on you for consistency

- Have flexibility to adapt to changing needs

- Want a career with purpose and impact

Earn £27,600 - £29,000 including sleep ins | Full Training Provided | Career Changers Welcome | Full Time & Part Time Available | 6 Week Rolling Rota

Hourly Rate: £12.80 - £13.48 per hour (depending on experience and qualifications) + sleep ins

Shifts: 3pm - 11pm, 10am - 11pm, sleep ins. 6 week rolling rota for stability, Many of our team members joined us from careers in retail, hospitality, the armed forces, education, mental health support and youth work - bringing valuable life experience that helps our young people feel understood and supported.

Interested in a career change that matters? Apply today! We will arrange an informal discussion with you to provide more information and answer any questions you have.

Why work with us?

- Fully funded training - NVQ Level 3 Diploma or Level 4 Apprenticeship in Residential Childcare. Specialist therapeutic training including trauma-informed and attachment-informed practice (DDP)

- Regular supervision and reflective practice

- Private Healthcare

- Health Cash Scheme

- Confidential Employee Advice Programme - providing wellbeing support, financial and legal advice, coaching and more

- Cycle to Work Scheme

- Death in Service benefit

- Access to Blue Light Discount

- Length of Service Bonus

- Employee Referral Bonus

- Meals provided whilst on shift

SWAAY is committed to safeguarding children. This position is subject to an enhanced DBS clearance and satisfactory references in line with safer recruitment practices.

Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role. To be considered, you must have the right to work in the UK.

Our success is built on those who work with us! SWAAY is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce, celebrating each individual's uniqueness.