Job description

Children's Residential Support Worker – Northampton | Permanent Role | Immediate Start

Make a Real Difference in a Young Person's Life

GSL Education is recruiting compassionate, resilient, and dedicated Children's Residential Support Workers to join a specialist therapeutic residential home in Northampton. This is a permanent, full-time opportunity supporting children and young people with emotional, behavioural, and complex additional needs in a nurturing residential setting.

If you have experience supporting young people with challenging behaviour and are passionate about helping them achieve positive outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.

The Role

As a Children's Residential Support Worker, you will provide day-to-day care, guidance, and emotional support to children and young people within a therapeutic residential home. Working closely with education staff and multi-agency professionals, you will help create a safe, structured, and supportive environment where each child can thrive.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Building positive, trusting relationships with children and young people.

  • Supporting individual care and behaviour support plans.

  • Managing and de-escalating challenging behaviours using positive behaviour strategies.

  • Encouraging independence, emotional wellbeing, and life skills.

  • Supporting educational routines, appointments, and recreational activities.

  • Maintaining accurate records and contributing to care planning.

  • Working collaboratively with families and external professionals to achieve the best outcomes for each child.

About the Home

This specialist EBD Therapeutic Children's Residential Home supports children and young people with a range of additional needs, including:

  • SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs)

  • Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)

  • ADHD

  • Attachment Disorders

  • Aggressive and heightened behaviours

  • Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) trauma

  • Other complex emotional and behavioural needs

Who We're Looking For

We welcome applications from candidates with experience in residential care, education, youth work, mental health, or other support settings.

The ideal candidate will have:

  • A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).

  • A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

  • Experience supporting children or young people with challenging behaviour.

  • Confidence working in emotionally demanding environments.

  • Strong communication, resilience, and a child-centred approach.

  • An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one).

  • The ability to provide a full employment history and two references.

We Also Welcome Applicants From

This role is well suited to individuals with backgrounds in:

  • Residential Childcare

  • SEN Support

  • Youth and Community Work

  • Social Care

  • Mental Health Support Services

  • Crisis or Suicide Prevention Services

  • Secure Settings

  • Ex-Military, Police, Prison or Security Services

Working Hours

This is a full-time permanent position.

Applicants must be flexible to work shifts, including:

  • Days

  • Evenings

  • Weekends

  • Sleep-in shifts

Why Join GSL Education?

  • Permanent opportunity with immediate start available.

  • Ongoing support throughout the recruitment process.

  • Opportunity to make a lasting impact in a therapeutic childcare setting.

  • Career progression within children's residential care.