Residential Support Worker -The Elms

About the job

Key information

Salary: Grade 13, Ranging from £26,847 – £29,071 per annum, pro rata, plus a £1,500 per annum, pro rata, recruitment allowance until 30/09/2027.

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 22 hours, 22.5 and 30 hours per week.

Closing date: 28/10/2026

The Elms, located in Curry Rivel, offers care and support to children with complex health needs and learning disabilities. We provide a short break service and play an important part of Children’s Social Care in Somerset. We focus on promoting independence, social inclusion and choice to provide individual support to children and young people with complex health needs and learning disabilities.

Our current opportunities are for 22, 22.5 and 30 hours per week and will include sleep-ins and every other weekend working. You’ll be paid £44.54 for each sleep-in and an extra £2.00 for each hour worked on Saturday and Sunday.

So come join a friendly, passionate team where you can make a real difference—without compromising your work-life balance. We offer flexible hours, strong relationships with children and families, and a warm, supportive environment that’s genuinely fun (yes, including the occasional fancy dress!). You’ll also benefit from great development opportunities and a leadership team that’s invested in your success.

We’re rated OUTSTANDING by Ofsted across all areas.

They said:

‘Children enjoy their short breaks and were seen laughing and having fun with staff. Children make exceptional progress because their needs are really prioritised by the staff who care for them’.

And of course, we do agree!

Where better to develop your career?

What will I be doing?

At The Elms, we are a fun and welcoming short-break provision where children and young people can enjoy new experiences, build confidence, and feel safe, valued, and cared for. Our aim is to create a genuine home-from-home environment, where every child has the opportunity to have fun, make memories, and develop their independence along the way.

As a Residential Support Worker, you will provide high-quality, child-centred care, supporting children and young people’s safety, wellbeing, development, and independence. You will build positive relationships, support day-to-day activities, and contribute to care planning to help each child achieve the best possible outcomes.

Working as part of a friendly and dedicated team, you will help create a safe, stable, and nurturing environment where children can thrive. We love being part of the Curry Rivel community and enjoy celebrating events such as Children in Need, Red Nose Day, World Book Day, fundraising activities, themed events, and even the occasional fancy dress day. We believe that fun, laughter, and shared experiences play an important role in creating positive memories for the children and young people we support.

You will act as a positive role model, promoting resilience, confidence, and life skills, while helping children and young people develop meaningful relationships and reach their personal goals. Alongside creating enjoyable and engaging experiences, you will maintain professional boundaries and work in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations, policies, procedures, and Council values at all times.

Your role will be essential in safeguarding children and young people, ensuring they feel safe, supported, well cared for, and able to reach their full potential while having lots of fun along the way.

How You’ll Make a Difference

• Lead shifts with confidence – managing medication, delegating tasks and ensuring smooth handovers
• Build trusted relationships as a key worker, supporting children and young people every day
• Make a real difference to daily life – from activities and routines to creating a safe, nurturing home
• Support education, health and wellbeing, helping young people to thrive
• Work closely with families, professionals and support networks
• Keep clear, accurate records and contribute to care plans and reviews
• Take ownership of key areas of the home
• Be an active team member – attending meetings and developing through training

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

Essential:

• Understanding of the needs of children and young people, including those who have experienced trauma, neglect, abuse or instability
• Awareness of safeguarding principles, child protection responsibilities, and professional boundaries
• Basic knowledge of children’s residential care standards, policies and procedures, or willingness to learn
• Experience working with children, young people or vulnerable individuals in a care, support or educational setting (paid or voluntary)
• Experience working as part of a team to provide consistent care and support
• Experience managing challenging behaviour in a calm, respectful and professional manner
• Good standard of literacy and numeracy to support accurate record keeping and communication
• Willingness to work towards a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) within an agreed timescale
• Ability to build positive, trusting and professional relationships with children and young people
• Strong communication skills, including listening, observing and responding appropriately
• Ability to remain calm, resilient and emotionally aware in challenging situations
• Good organisational skills, including record keeping and time management
• Ability to work flexibly (including evenings, weekends, sleep-ins and bank holidays)
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and treating individuals with dignity and respect

Desirable:

• Knowledge of Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards
• Understanding of trauma-informed care, attachment theory or restorative approaches
• Experience working in a residential childcare setting
• Experience contributing to care plans, behaviour support plans or risk assessments
• Experience working with external professionals (e.g. social workers, teachers, health colleagues)
• Level 3 Diploma (or equivalent) in Residential Childcare, Health and Social Care, or a related field
• Relevant training in safeguarding, behaviour management, first aid or medication administration
• Ability to support children and young people to develop independence and life skills
• Confidence using IT systems for recording, reporting and communication
• Ability to contribute to a therapeutic and nurturing residential environment

What is in it for me?

At Somerset Council, we’re a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England’s most beautiful counties, it’s a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK’s most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find out more about working at Somerset Council.

Supporting documents and information

• We’re as flexible as we can be with shifts and will do what we can to support you to manage your work-life balance.
• 25 day’s annual leave (additional to bank holidays)
• This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

It’s important that you understand the role of a Support Worker at The Elms so, if you are shortlisted, you will be offered an initial Teams discussion to explore the role and responsibilities of the position in more detail and how your knowledge and experience would fit. This will help us determine if you will be offered a face-to-face interview.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Kelly Noble, Deputy Manager, kelly.noble@somerset.gov.uk or Bonnie Moore, Residential Team Leader/Acting up Deputy Manager, bonnie.moore@somerset.gov.uk or call them at The Elms on 01458 251207.

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

Apply on the Somerset Council website

Apply now