Job Description:

At Anima Residential Care we are driven to change children’s lives for the better by delivering the very best specialist care. Our Erith children’s home is a spacious, three-bedroom bungalow registered for up to two children with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD) and learning disabilities. With four bathrooms, a large garden and a warm, nurturing environment, it is designed to help children feel safe, settle and reach their full potential. 

This is more than a job. It is the chance to be the steady, trusted adult who helps a young person rebuild trust, find their voice and believe in their future. If you are compassionate, resilient and ready to make a genuine difference every single day, we would love to hear from you. 

What We Offer You 

• Competitive pay of £13.50–£14.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications, plus enhanced rates for sleep-ins and waking nights. 

• Structured induction and a comprehensive, ongoing training programme (safeguarding, trauma-informed care, de-escalation, first aid and more). 

• Clear career progression pathways towards Senior Support Worker, Team Leader, Deputy and Registered Manager roles. 

• Regular, reflective supervision and a genuinely supportive, close-knit team culture. 

• 28 days’ annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays, workplace pension and a healthy work–life balance. 

• The deep job satisfaction of seeing the children you support thrive. 

Job Purpose 

• To provide a safe, stable and nurturing environment that respects and promotes each child’s health, culture, religion, race, identity and individuality. 

• To safeguard and promote the welfare of every child and young person at all times, in line with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Quality Standards. 

• To deliver trauma-informed, therapeutic care that helps children recover, build resilience and achieve positive outcomes. 

• To contribute to the assessment of each child’s needs and to help design, implement and review their care plans alongside social workers, families and other professionals. 

• To follow all policies, procedures and safe working practices that keep children and colleagues safe. 

Key Duties & Responsibilities 

• Act as a key worker for a child or children, working to an agreed, individualised care plan and tracking progress towards their goals. 

• Build and maintain warm, consistent and professional relationships with children, their families and the wider professional network. 

• Provide day-to-day care that meets each child’s physical, emotional, social, educational and cultural needs. 

• Maintain positive daily routines and clear, fair boundaries that create a settled culture of care. 

• Use trauma-informed approaches and de-escalation techniques to support children to manage their emotions and behaviour safely. 

• Encourage and support independence through education, life skills and participation in social, leisure and community activities. 

• Contribute to assessments, care planning, reviews and key-working sessions with children and young people. 

• Act as a positive role model for children and colleagues, offering guidance and support where appropriate. 

• Work closely with other professionals — social workers, health staff, therapists and education — to ensure consistent, joined-up support. 

• Adapt your communication to each child’s individual needs, recognising sounds, tone, body language and non-verbal cues. 

• Maintain accurate, timely and high-quality records, including daily logs, case notes, incident and behaviour reports. 

• Recognise, record and report any safeguarding or welfare concern promptly, escalating to the manager or senior on duty. 

• Promote and maintain a safe, clean and well-maintained home, reporting repairs and routine maintenance as needed. 

• Take full part in the staff rota, including weekends, sleep-ins and waking-night duties. 

• Make effective use of regular supervision and complete an agreed Personal Development Plan. 

• Contribute to the development and review of policies, procedures and safe working practices. 

• Protect children’s rights, promote their interests and respect confidentiality in line with relevant legislation. 

Person Specification 

Essential 

- A genuine passion for working with children and young people, and the resilience to support those who have experienced trauma. 

- Some experience of providing care or support to children or vulnerable people (paid, voluntary or personal). 

- Warmth, patience, empathy and emotional resilience under pressure. 

- A strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare. 

- Good written and verbal communication and the ability to keep clear, accurate records. 

- Willingness to work flexible shifts, including weekends, sleep-ins and waking nights. 

- Willingness to undertake and complete the Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare within two years of starting (if not already held). 

- The right to work in the UK and the ability to obtain a satisfactory enhanced DBS check (with barred list checks). 

Desirable 

- Level 3 (or Level 4) Diploma for Residential Childcare, or an equivalent relevant qualification. 

- At least 12 months’ experience working in children’s residential care. 

- A full UK driving licence. 

- Training in trauma-informed care, therapeutic parenting or de-escalation/physical intervention. 

Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment 

Anima Residential Care is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All appointments are subject to our safer recruitment process, including an enhanced DBS check with barred list checks, satisfactory references (including the most recent employer), full employment history, proof of identity and the right to work in the UK, in line with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015.