Residential support worker (PT)

Residential Support Worker
Salary: £ £28,598 - £31,022 (pro rata) plus weekend enhancements and sleep in allowance where appropriate
Location: Leeds
Client: Leeds City Council
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Part time (18.5 hours per week)
About the Role
Leeds City Council is seeking compassionate and dedicated Residential Practitioners to join our outstanding children’s services.
In this role, you will:

• Support and safeguard vulnerable children and young people.
• Help them overcome significant challenges, achieve their potential, and prepare for adulthood and independence.
• Work in one of our children’s homes as part of a supportive team that prioritises staff well-being and development.

Shifts are rota-based, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-ins. Enhancements apply for unsocial hours and weekends.
Key Responsibilities

• Undertake key worker duties, implement care plans, conduct risk assessments, and create health/support plans.
• Provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that meets daily physical and emotional needs.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with children and young people.
• Support personal development, education, and learning both inside and outside of school.
• Promote emotional, mental, and physical health, building confidence and self-esteem.
• Work collaboratively with families, professionals, and external agencies.
• Provide appropriate levels of personal care for children and young people with disabilities or complex needs.
• Maintain accurate and GDPR-compliant records.
• Manage challenging behaviour using restorative and de-escalation approaches.
• Encourage restorative outcomes to prevent criminalisation.
• Contribute to team development, appraisals, training, and reflective practice.
• Uphold Leeds City Council’s safeguarding, equality, and diversity policies.

Experience & Knowledge

• Recent experience working with young people or vulnerable adults with emotional/behavioural difficulties (paid, voluntary, student placements, or personal experience).
• Understanding of the needs of looked after children and the importance of advocacy.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, confidentiality, GDPR, and health & safety requirements.
• Awareness of restorative practices and behaviour management approaches.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong communication and listening skills, with the ability to build relationships with children, families, and professionals.
• Teamwork, emotional intelligence, and resilience.
• Ability to manage conflict and challenging behaviour assertively and sensitively.
• Use of initiative, problem-solving, and adaptability to changing circumstances.
• Good literacy, numeracy, and computer literacy (Microsoft Office).
• Ability to maintain accurate manual and digital records.
• Physically fit to meet the demands of the role, including managing challenging behaviour through Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI).

Qualifications

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Child Care (or equivalent). - If not yet achieved, you must be willing to complete the diploma within 2 years (course fees paid by the council).
• Demonstrated literacy and numeracy skills (via qualifications or a skills test at interview).

Other Requirements

• Flexibility to work shifts, including early mornings, late evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-ins.
• Flexibility to travel and work across different homes or family settings if required.
• Commitment to professional development and training.
• Ability to work within Leeds City Council’s values, policies, and equality and diversity standards.
• Subject to an enhanced DBS check (Children’s Barred List).
• Right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship may be available for eligible candidates).

If you are interested in the role and would like to contact me for further information on the role you can contact myself on the details below.

At Service Care Solutions we also offer a £250 bonus for referrals! If you think you know someone who would be ideal for this role and they are placed in the job you will then receive £250 at the end of their probationary period.

To apply for this role, or to refer someone else, then please do not hesitate to contact Jack at Service Care Solutions on 01772208964 or email on Jack.Lonsdale@Servicecare.org.uk