Senior residential worker jobs

Ready for Your Next Leadership Challenge?

Do you have experience working with children and young people in residential care? Are you passionate about helping young people overcome adversity and achieve positive outcomes? Do you enjoy supporting colleagues, leading by example, and making a lasting difference?

If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our Emotional Well-being Home in Leicestershire as a Senior Residential Children & Young People's Worker on a full-time, permanent basis.

About the Service

Barnardo's, the UK's largest children's charity, works in partnership with Leicestershire County Council to provide high-quality residential care for some of the county's most vulnerable children and young people.

Our homes provide safe, stable and nurturing environments for children and young people aged 8–18 who may have experienced trauma, disrupted attachments, loss, neglect, or other complex life experiences. We support a small number of young people at any one time, enabling us to provide highly individualised care and build meaningful relationships that promote emotional wellbeing, resilience, confidence and independence.

Our practice is rooted in trauma-informed, attachment-aware and relationship-based approaches. We believe every child deserves to feel safe, valued, listened to and supported to achieve their full potential.

Whilst this home will be your primary base, flexibility is required as there may occasionally be opportunities to support other residential services across Leicestershire.

About the Role

As a Senior Residential Children & Young People's Worker, you will play a key role in supporting the day-to-day operation of the home and providing leadership during shifts.

Working alongside the management team, you will help create a safe, nurturing and structured environment where children and young people can thrive. You will act as a positive role model, supporting colleagues to deliver high-quality care and ensuring that safeguarding remains at the centre of practice.

Please be aware that we are unable to offer sponsorship to candidates who are not already sponsoeed by Milestones Trust. 

Make a real difference. Help people live their best life 

Our goal is simple: to support people with enduring mental health needs to live fulfilling, independent lives in their community. Whether it’s learning new skills, building confidence, accessing education, or gaining employment, we work alongside individuals to maximise their choice, independence, and involvement. 

About the Role

We are looking for compassionate and motivated Mental Health Support Workers to join our services across Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

In this role, you will provide high-quality, person-centred and trauma-informed support to people with mental health needs, helping them to build independence, develop coping strategies and achieve their personal recovery goals.

You will work both independently and as part of a team to deliver safe, effective, and recovery-focused care that promotes wellbeing, inclusion, and choice. 

What We Offer

• Flexible shift patterns tailored around the needs of the people we support
• Opportunities for both part-time and full-time hours
• A supportive team environment
• Ongoing training and development 

Note: The role includes some evenings, weekends, and lone working, so confidence, initiative, and self-motivation are essential. 

Additionally, while being a driver is not an essential requirement, it could be an advantage in some roles/services. 

Key Responsibilities

• Support individuals to manage their mental health and work towards personal goals
• Deliver person-centred, trauma-informed support tailored to individual needs
• Empower individuals to make everyday choices and key life decisions
• Promote independence, wellbeing, confidence, and personal growth
• Assist with daily living skills including self-care, budgeting, and maintaining a home
• Encourage and support meaningful relationships and social inclusion within the community
• Monitor wellbeing and respond appropriately to changes, risks, or challenging situations
• Develop, follow, and contribute to person-centred support plans and risk assessments
• Maintain accurate records and documentation
• Work collaboratively with families, colleagues, and other professionals
• Safely support and administer medication in line with training and policy
• Complete required training and adhere to organisational standards

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Communicates with empathy, clarity, and emotional intelligence
• Demonstrates compassion, kindness, and understanding
• Is resilient, calm under pressure, and able to respond to challenging situations
• Builds positive relationships and works effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Is organised, reliable, and able to manage workload effectively
• Is self-motivated and proactive in their approach to work
• Is committed to safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Is confident using IT systems and recording information accurately
• Is eager to learn, grow, and adapt within the role
• Holds GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent), or is willing to achieve them
• Work or voluntary experience supporting people in care and/or with mental health needs 

Our Services

We are recruiting across several mental health services: 

The Recovery Hub
A 24-hour residential service supporting adults within a 10-bed unit. We provide a safe, structured, and person-centred environment, helping individuals build skills, manage their mental health, and move towards independent living. 

Chestnut Road
Supporting individuals in shared accommodation or their own flats, this service focuses on recovery, independence, and preparing people to move on, using a highly person-centred and creative approach. 

Charnhill Crescent & Kingsway
Two small services supporting five adults, delivering tailored support to empower people to live independently and achieve their goals. 

In return we offer excellent, high quality learning opportunities, including the opportunity to undertake a level 3 or 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care. Alongside this, other benefits include:

• 30 days’ annual leave, including recognised public holidays
• Learning and development to support your career growth
• Nationally recognised qualifications, from entry‑level care to management
• Flexible working, with rotas provided in advance
• Occupational Sick Pay after two years, increasing with service
• Health Cash Plan after probation, offering at least £695 cashback for health treatments (dental, optical, therapies, maternity/paternity, prescriptions)
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Free enhanced DBS check
• Dayforce Wallet, giving you access to your earnings before payday
• Employee referral scheme with financial rewards
• Employee Assistance Programme from day one, offering confidential 24/7 support
• Company pension scheme to help grow your retirement savings

We pride ourselves with being able to offer staff opportunities to develop and progress their careers within the Trust. 

Apply Today

If you're passionate about supporting people and want to be part of a service that truly makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you. 

Please note:

Due to an internal redeployment process, priority will be given to at risk staff.

We have attached a generic job profile for support workers. We are currently reviewing the Mental Health specific support worker job profile, and this will be shared with applicants once finalised.

Volunteering Matters   

Who we are 
At Volunteering Matters, we believe people have the power to create change. Whether through volunteering by helping others and giving time, or through social action such as speaking up, campaigning, or leading change, everyone can make a difference. We bring people together to build stronger communities across England, Scotland and Wales, making sure everyone has the chance to get involved and create real change. 

Creating stronger communities through the power of volunteering 

Volunteering Matters is a nationwide charity that exists to create stronger communities through the power of volunteering. We work with local partners to develop impactful programmes that support individuals and communities across the UK.

Since 1962, we’ve used our influence to champion volunteering as a powerful tool to build a thriving, resilient society. Our projects are co-created with the people and communities we work alongside: an approach that encourages our participants to become future volunteers and leaders, not just beneficiaries. 

We understand the pressures of day-to-day life and create flexible, inclusive opportunities for people at all stages of life. And beyond delivering projects on the ground, we use our voice to shape policy and practice – ensuring volunteering stays recognised, supported and sustainable for generations to come. 

What we do 
We help people of all ages and backgrounds get involved in volunteering and social action. We focus on making sure that everyone, no matter their situation, has the chance to take part. We work with local people. 

How we do this 

We support people to share their time and skills to help others and tackle big challenges in their communities. 

• We remove barriers to volunteering and social action, making it easier for people who don’t always get the chance to take part. 

• We listen to and amplify voices that aren’t always heard, helping volunteers and communities influence change. 

• We help volunteers beyond their first experience, offering training, support, and pathways to new opportunities. 

• We connect businesses with communities, creating meaningful employee volunteering projects. 

• We show the impact of volunteering and social action, proving how it changes lives for the better. 

  Our promise to volunteers 

We are always looking for new ways for volunteers to make a difference. We bring people together across generations and backgrounds to learn from each other and create change. At the same time, we make sure that all our volunteers are trained, supported, and valued, so they feel confident in what they do. 

It’s a brilliant time to join us. We’re evolving, growing our impact, and shaping a future where everyone can take part and feel they belong.  

Role Description 

Volunteering Matters Brighter Futures CEC works with pupils (aged 12-18) who are care experienced or on the edge of care across the City of Edinburgh.

The project has two parts, one is to work one to one with the young people referred to the project, supporting them to experience a volunteering placement with local charitable organisations that will build their confidence and allow them to grow and learn new things in a different environment out with school.  

The second part is our group work, the Youth Engagement Manager will be responsible for up to 7 small groups within schools across Edinburgh.The Youth Engagement Manager supports the young people engaged in the groups to develop and deliver a Youth Social Action project within their community.

We’re looking for a patient and engaging Youth Engagement Manager to join the Brighter Futures team in Edinburgh.   The right candidate would be someone who can work flexibly and demonstrate an understanding and total commitment to our organisational values and strategy.  
   
 Due to the nature of this role and the needs of the young people we support, including the requirement to provide appropriate support and engagement for young males with complex experiences, there is a genuine occupational requirement for the postholder to be male under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.
Key Duties & Responsibilities   

• To build relationships with the young people, acting in a non-judgemental way to support them through their Brighter Futures journey.  

• Consistently role modelling and displaying Volunteering Matters organisational values   

• Deliver and develop the Brighter Futures Schools programme across the City of Edinburgh, meeting ambitious targets and milestones, ensuring all young people engaged achieve positive outcomes  

Develop and deliver our Social Action group work project in different schools across Edinburgh. 

• Work alongside staff form residential units, parents and carers to help support building a relationship with the young people referred to our one-to-one work  

• Build relationships with different high schools across area through both our group work and one to one program.

• To maintain excellent relationships with charity and not-for-profit partners in Edinburgh - ensuring diverse, high quality volunteer roles are available that reflect the needs and interests of young people. 

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders including colleagues, volunteers, families, school staff, social work, NHS, Education partners, third sector organisations and others.  

• Support the young people to complete awards and qualifications linked to their volunteering. 

• To manage all elements of a young persons experience, from referral to completion of their journey   

• To manage the risk assessment, safeguarding, quality assurance and audit processes as appropriate   

• Ensure monitoring, impact and evaluation information is collected and that Brighter Futures meets it’s agreed targets, reporting format and schedule.  

• Assist the Senior Project Manager by preparing Impact Reports   

• Administration tasks including maintaining effective and accessible records, the use of Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom and other software such as Canva

• This job description is intended to include the broad range of responsibilities and requirements of the post. It is neither exhaustive nor exclusive but while some variations will be expected, these will be at an appropriate level for the role.  

Skills / Knowledge Required   

• Excellent knowledge & understanding of the life challenges and issues that young people face in Scottish society including an understanding of “The Promise” as well as understanding of trauma informed practice.  

• Experience delivering a youth work approach to young people who challenge. 

•  An understanding of how to assess the needs of an individual using a person-centred approach  

•  Excellent written and verbal communication skills including being able to have strategic conversations with partners and stakeholders one minute and talk to an anxious or unsure young people the next.  

• Excellent organisational skills including strong attention to detail, the ability to manage a busy workload, and prioritise effectively   

• Excellent IT skills including the use of Office 365, Microsoft Teams and other software packages including a CRM. 

• Ability to think on your feet, act quickly and respond to situations as well as demonstrate common sense and initiative.   

• The post holder should be non-judgemental, competent, conscientious and self-aware.   

• Ability to develop and sustain relationships with a wide range of people.  

Experience Required   

• Significant experience working directly with young people, specifically those who are care experienced or who face life challenges   

• Experience of youth work in a group setting 

• Experience in all aspects of effective Volunteer Management (recruitment, training, support)   

• Experience developing strong working relationships, with a range of internal and external stakeholders   

• Experience of project management, achieving goals, managing a busy workload and working to deadlines  

• Experience of measuring the impact of mentoring/volunteering, and understanding the results   

• Understanding of and full commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion   
   

Qualifications Required    

Relevant experience and values alignment is more important for this role than specific qualifications 

Location 

This role is based in Edinburgh, a large part of your hours will require you to work within the community and schools, for the other hours you will have the opportunity to work from home. The postholder will require good internet access to enable remote working, and a suitable home office space. I.T. equipment and infrastructure will be supplied. 

PVG  

This role requires membership of the PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) scheme. We will support you to become a PVG member if you are not already. Having a conviction will not necessarily cause a bar to employment.  

Our Values & Way of Working 

In all that we are guided by our values: Empowering, Inclusive, Compassionate, Positive & Straightforward.  

 Diversity & Inclusion   

Volunteering Matters welcomes all applicants and are keen to ensure our team reflects the diversity of the UK and the communities we serve. We encourage applications from disabled, LGBT and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, along with candidates with any protected characteristics and from disadvantaged groups.   

Disability Confident & Reasonable Adjustments 

We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role. Please provide evidence in your application, which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required in the Job Description under skill and experience. To be considered for a guaranteed interview or to discuss any reasonable adjustments during the process, please state this in your cover letter.  

 Benefits   

Our employee benefits reflect our culture which is built on an approach of full flexibility with accountability, and designed to let you make your most positive contribution; we offer: 

• Flexible Working by Default (re hours & place of work)  

• Unlimited Annual Leave  

• Employee Pension scheme  

• Life Assurance  

• Cycle to Work Scheme  

• Season Ticket Loan  

• Employee Assistance Programme  

• Enhanced sick and family leave.   

• Lifestyle Discount Scheme   

We are also open to discussing job share applications.   

 GDPR Statement   

If you apply for a role with us, we will retain your contact details including your name, address, email address and phone number to help us manage your application for up to six months.  We will not use your personal data for any other purpose or share it with any third party. You can contact us at any point to update your personal information or ask us to delete it from our records.    

Policy on AI-Generated Applications  

Applications are accepted on trust, and we expect all submissions to reflect the applicant’s own words, experiences, and motivations. While tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) may support the application process, applications should not be generated wholly by AI. 

To Apply   

Please send an updated, complete CV and cover letter via the Charity Job Apply button above. In your application clearly state which role you are applying for. In the cover letter please demonstrate how you would fulfil the role requirements, what previous relevant achievements you have (both in life and at work), what skills & experience you can offer, and what you believe you can contribute to Volunteering Matters.   

We welcome applications from everyone, but please note that if we receive an extremely large number of responses, we may close this advert early to fully consider applications. We encourage you to apply promptly so you don’t miss the opportunity to join our community. 

Right to Work in the UK 
Please note that while we hold a license to sponsor employees on a skilled worker visa, the number of applications we can make each year is very limited. Unfortunately, this role does not meet the criteria for sponsorship, therefore, you must already have the right to work in the UK to be considered for this position. 

If you have any questions about current vacancies, the recruitment process, or need support, our team is here to help.