Therapeutic residential support worker jobs
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Are you a passionate, skilled and compassionate Occupational Therapist who believes every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive? Do you want to work somewhere where your expertise has a visible, lasting impact — where independence grows, barriers are reduced, and young people are empowered to succeed in all aspects of their lives?
At Southover, we are looking for a committed Occupational Therapist who brings clinical excellence, creativity and a genuine determination to make a difference. Our students have often experienced disrupted journeys, but with the right therapeutic support, they make exceptional progress — not only academically, but socially, emotionally and functionally.
This is a unique opportunity to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, where therapy is fully integrated into the school day. You will play a key role in supporting students with sensory and motor needs, helping staff embed effective strategies, and ensuring every young person can access learning and daily life with confidence.
If you thrive in a dynamic environment where no two days are the same, where relationships are central, and where your professional judgement and innovation are valued, you will feel right at home here.
We are seeking an Occupational Therapist who is committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based interventions, raising aspirations and supporting students to develop the skills they need for lifelong success.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a good school where your work truly matters. You will contribute to a nurturing, ambitious and holistic environment that prioritises the wellbeing and development of every young person.
What we are looking for:
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A qualified Occupational Therapist who will make a real difference
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A skilled clinician with experience of sensory and motor needs
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Someone who is flexible, creative and solution-focused
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A strong relationship-builder with excellent communication skills
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A proactive team player who thrives in a collaborative environment
What we offer:
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A warm, welcoming and supportive working environment where staff wellbeing really matters
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The opportunity to work closely with students and see the direct impact of your interventions
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A committed, multi-disciplinary team who collaborate, support and celebrate each other
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Opportunities to contribute to whole-school practice, training and development
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A highly rewarding role where you can have a transformational impact on young people’s lives
Important information:
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We only accept applications using our application form; CVs cannot be considered
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Southover is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment
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The successful candidate will require an Enhanced DBS Certificate and will be subject to a range of safer recruitment checks
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All staff must comply with data protection responsibilities and adhere to GDPR principles
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We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and operate in full accordance with the Equality Act 2010
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Applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK
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Please note: Depending on application numbers, we may shortlist and interview before the closing date
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Location: Putney, SW London with travel to various services across London
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £32,800 per annum
Specific Hours: Part time / 30 hours per week / Monday-Friday / Flexible working hours
About This Role
This is an exciting new opportunity to be part of a project within our Wraparound Service in the UK. As Psychological Therapist, key aspects of your role will be:
- Facilitation of Reflective Practice for residential staff to help support therapeutically informed practice, staff resilience and emotional wellbeing.
- Direct support to Children in Care and Care Leavers to improve their emotional health and well-being, and to provide any additional support identified as needed by statutory services to those with mental health needs.
- Working with children, residential carers and social workers where care arrangements are at risk of breaking down.
- Consultative support and training to foster carers and residential staff where there are children in placement who have complex needs.
- Support the development of the UK Therapeutic Service to help meet the needs of staff and young people across the organisation.
The successful candidate will have:
- Degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, Psychotherapy)
- A minimum of three years working directly with children, young people and families
- Experience of dealing with crisis situations and working with emergency services
- A minimum of one years’ experience of delivering therapeutic interventions
- Previous experience of delivering therapeutic interventions to children and young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties
- Experience of working in a multi-agency setting
- Knowledge of UK Legislative framework
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Knowledge/Experience of Care Planning and Care Management
- Ability to manage caseload and to work on own initiative
- Responsive to deadlines
- Excellent IT, report writing and presentation skills
- Ability and willingness to work outside of normal office hours as required
In return we offer:
- Competitive salary.
- A friendly working environment, a fun, open and honest culture.
- 25 days holiday rising to 27 days after 3 years’ service, plus Bank Holidays, pro-rata.
- Industry leading training programme including access to level 3 qualifications, children’s right and participation, CSE, empowerment, mental health and social pedagogy.
- Contributory pension scheme, enhanced maternity and company sick scheme.
- UK Life Assurance (Death in service) to the value of 3 times your annual salary.
- BUPA employee assistance programme, offering counselling, financial advice and legal support.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Bluelight card; discount shopping scheme at hundreds of retailers across the UK.
- Discretionary funded training programs.
- Employee awards based on performance and length of service.
- Fantastic opportunities to develop your career within our range of services.
Recruitment Process
St Christopher’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people in our care and is dedicated to the principles of Safer Recruitment.
As part of the recruitment process, you will be required to complete an online application form. This enables us to collect the information necessary to meet legislative requirements, safer recruitment standards, and vetting procedures, ensuring your suitability to work with children and young people.
Applicants are encouraged to subscribe to the DBS Update Service. Where an applicant is not registered with the service, St Christopher’s will carry out an Enhanced DBS check prior to employment commencing.
Your application must include a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the criteria outlined in the Person Specification.
Please note that CVs will not be accepted in place of a completed application form.
It is against the law to apply for work with Children/Young People if you are barred from working in Regulated Activity and if your name is added to a Children Barred List.
All shortlisted candidates invited to interview will be asked to submit a Self-Declaration and Disclosure form which will need to be returned prior to an interview being booked.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
We are a leading charity for children and young people, providing fostering, children's homes and leaving care services across the UK and Isle of Man
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Registered Manager – Jarvis House a home which is rated good aspiring to be outstanding
Salary: £51,275 - £58,927 per annum (Pay Grade B) at time of writing
Additional allowances are paid for on-call duties.
Please contact Karen Ciantar for an informal chat - karen.ciantar @ barnardos. org. uk
Create Safety. Build Belonging. Help Children Grow.
Barnardo's is looking for a compassionate, values‑driven Registered Manager to lead Jarvis House, a small, nurturing residential home supporting children at a time when safety, stability, and kindness matter most.
Jarvis House supports up to three children through short‑ to medium‑term placements, including emergency admissions when no suitable alternative is immediately available. It offers a therapeutic, trauma‑informed environment where children can begin to feel safer, happier, healthier, and more hopeful, and where they are supported to heal, grow, and thrive.
This is not just about running a home. It's about creating a calm, structured space where relationships come first, experiences are understood with compassion, and children are supported to prepare for what comes next.
What Jarvis House Offers Children
Each child's time at Jarvis House is shaped by a sensitive, holistic assessment that helps us understand their experiences, strengths, and needs. Our team works closely with children to help them recover from trauma, build emotional resilience, and develop vital life skills. When children move on, whether to a foster family, a longer‑term placement, or back home, they do so with stronger foundations and greater confidence in themselves.
As one colleague put it:
“Jarvis House gives children breathing space. We slow things down, really listen, and help them believe in themselves again.”
Your Role
As Registered Manager, you will:
- Lead a small, committed team with warmth, clarity, and consistency
- Create a therapeutic, trauma‑informed environment where children feel safe and supported to thrive
- Hold the balance between structure and nurture, especially during emergency and transition placements
- Ensure high‑quality care, safeguarding, and regulatory compliance
- Embed relational, child‑centred practice in everyday decision‑making
- Support staff through reflective supervision and development
- Work collaboratively with families, social workers, and partner agencies
One of our managers describes the leadership culture at Barnardo's like this:
“You're trusted to lead in a way that feels human. You're supported, challenged, and never expected to do it alone.”
What Children Tell Us Matters
“I need people who don't leave when things get hard.”
“Feeling safe helps me think about what comes next.”
As Registered Manager, you will keep these voices at the centre of your leadership.
What We're Looking For
You'll be someone who:
- Has experience leading or managing within residential children's services
- Understands trauma, attachment, and emotionally informed care
- Holds (or is working towards) a Level 5 Leadership and Management qualification
- Leads with curiosity, compassion, and emotional resilience
- Believes that strong relationships are the foundation of great care
- Wants to make a genuine difference in children's lives
Why Join Barnardo's?
At Barnardo's, values are more than words on a page. They shape how we lead, how we support staff, and how we care for children.
“I stay because the care is real, for the children and for us as staff.”
“We're encouraged to reflect, to learn, and to keep getting better.”
You'll be part of an organisation that invests in its people and believes that when staff feel supported, children thrive too.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.