Job Description:

Chidrens Senior Support Worker – Bicester, Oxfordshire – OX26

Employer:         Homes2Inspire (part of Shaw Trust Group)

Contract:          Full-time, Permanent, 40 hours per week

Salary:               £30,196 - £31,259 per annum (£14.52 – £15.03 per hour) + sleep-in allowance (£46.01 per sleep) + £1,400 attendance bonus

Ofsted:              Good

About Homes2inspire:

Homes2Inspire are one of the UK’s top providers of Children's homes and currently care for over 150 children in 53 homes and 2 two semi -independent leaving care facilities across Bedfordshire, Derbyshire, Gloucestershire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Staffordshire and Worcestershire.  

We are proud to be a part of Shaw Trust Group, a charity helping to transform the lives of young people and adults across the UK.

Vacancy:

We have an opportunity for a Senior Support Worker within one of our children’s residential home in Bicester, Oxfordshire.  Harris House is a 2 bedded residential home, supporting young people aged up to 18. 

Our home provides a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment by offering emotional and practical support to help children develop life skills and build confidence.

As a Senior Support Worker, you will assist the management team and will have responsibility for leading a shift, directing roles and responsibilities to support workers - ensuring the monitoring of children and young people’s behaviour, safety, and well-being at all times. 

Effective communication skills, along with the ability to build relationships with others are vital!  We are looking for an individual who can lead by example, uphold standards, and ensure that the safeguarding of children and young people underpins all decisions made.  

If you thrive on variety, where every day is different but is equally rewarding, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.  With smaller homes and high staff-to-young-person ratios, you will have the chance to build meaningful relationships and make a tangible difference.

Core responsibilities:

• Safeguard and promote the wellbeing of young people in our care.
• Provide daily care and support, including cooking, cleaning, and encouraging independence in skills like budgeting and shopping.
• Encourage participation in community activities and hobbies.
• Maintain a safe environment, following company procedures and Ofsted regulations, including reporting and recording accidents, incidents, or physical interventions.
• Build positive relationships, acting as a role model to help children manage emotional and behavioural difficulties.
• Transport young people to school, medical appointments, recreational activities, social outings, and school or college
• Act as a positive role model, setting clear boundaries and building trust.
• Maintain accurate records and paperwork, liaising with management, social workers, other healthcare professionals etc.
• Work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-ins (1–2 per week).

What you’ll bring:

• Minimum of 12 months experience of working with childrens in a residential home, or similar setting
• QCF Level 3 Residential Childcare or equivalent qualification, (or at least 50% way through)
• Availability to work on a shift rota system including weekends and bank holidays and sleeps
• A full UK Driving Licence is essential

Personal Qualities Required:

• Resilience, empathy, and integrity.
• Excellent listening skills, having the patience to support children and staff team.
• Dedicated and passionate - with a genuine caring nature to support our young people to reach their full potential.
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal and able to keep accurate records.
• Can handle challenging situations with patience and a calm demeanour.

What can Homes2Inspire offer you?

Competitive salary of £30,196 - £31,259 per annum (£14.52 - £15.03 per hour)

Sleep-in allowance (£46.01 per sleep).

Attendance bonuses (up to £1,400 per year), plus overtime opportunities

Fully funded industry qualifications

Comprehensive training and career development pathways.

Generous annual leave, with option to purchase 5 extra days.

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and wellbeing support.

Unum Healthcare - App-based access to healthcare reimbursements, mental health support, remote GP, and wellbeing perks

Aviva Digicare - Access free healthcare services including Digital GP consultation, Annual Health Check and Mental Health Assessments

Refer a Friend bonus.

Discounts on shopping, cinema, holidays, plus Blue Light Card access.

Cycle to Work scheme.

How to Apply:

If you are looking for a new job as a Senior Support Worker in Bicester, Oxfordshire and are passionate about making a positive impact – apply now!

Please Note: 

All successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment safer recruitment checks in line with Ofsted regulatory requirements and Homes2Inspire Safer Recruitment Policy.

Candidate applications will be reviewed regularly, and we reserve the right to interview candidates before the advertised closing date of this role.