Resident Support Lead - Children's Residential Care

Resident Support Lead

• Salary: £26,500 Unqualified, £28,000 qualified Additional £6480 (included)
• Hourly Rate: £13.50 per hour Unqualified, £14.20 for Qualified
• Hours: 40 Hours per week
• Sleep ins: £60 average 9 per month (with Sleep in duties 1-3 a week on a rolling basis)
• Contract Type: Full-time
• Reports To: Registered Manager/Deputy Manager/ Senior Support Lead
• Location: Ashford, Kent

All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check which the cost will be covered by nurturing Nests.

About Nurturing Nests

Nurturing Nests is dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and structured environment for children in need. Our mission is to empower young lives through compassionate care, guidance, and stability, ensuring they have the tools to build a brighter future. We work closely with social services, educators, and families to foster resilience and growth in every child we support.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, safe, and empowered. We are committed to fostering resilience, personal growth, and long-term stability through dedicated support, innovative programs, and a child-centred approach.

Role Overview

As a Resident Support Worker, you will play a vital role in supporting the daily operations of the home and ensuring the well-being of children in a safe and nurturing environment. You will help build children’s independence skills, act as a key worker, and develop professional relationships with both the children and external professionals. Working within a structured rota, you will contribute to maintaining consistency and stability in the home while also balancing your own work-life commitments.

Key Responsibilities

• Child Welfare & Support: Provide a comprehensive residential service, ensuring the physical, social, and emotional care of children.
• Home Management: Maintain a structured, safe, and nurturing home environment by promoting routines, boundaries, and domestic responsibilities.
• Care Planning & Compliance: Work in line with children’s care plans, positive support plans, and risk assessments to ensure their well-being and development.
• Positive Outcomes: Support children in achieving positive outcomes in areas such as health, safety, education, and overall well-being.
• Regulatory Compliance: Work in accordance with the Quality Standards for Children’s Homes 2015 and Children’s Homes Regulations 2015.
• Inspection & Oversight: Support and cooperate with inspections such as Ofsted and Regulation 44 visits.
• Key Worker Responsibilities: Undertake the role of a key worker, ensuring compliance with the Key Working policy and building trusting relationships with the children.
• Training & Development: Attend training, supervision, and team meetings to develop the home, team, and children.
• Professional Collaboration: Work in partnership with other agencies and professionals to meet the needs of the children.
• Confidentiality & Data Protection: Maintain GDPR compliance by ensuring records are stored securely and confidentially.
• Health & Safety: Maintain responsibility for health and safety within the home, ensuring a secure environment for children, colleagues, and visitors.

Required Skills & Experience

• Experience working in children’s residential care or a related field.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding policies and best practices in child care.
• Ability to work within structured routines and maintain consistency for children.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with children and professionals.
• A commitment to providing a child-centered and inclusive care environment.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 in Children’s and Young People’s Workforce (or willingness to achieve this qualification).
• Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to undergo one).
• First Aid and Safeguarding training (or willingness to complete training upon hiring).

Personal Responsibilities

• Attend all internal staff meetings.
• Participate in all training provided by Nurturing Nests (unless permission is granted by management).
• Maintain compliance with company policies on equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring a workplace free from discrimination.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a mission-driven organisation making a real impact in children's lives.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment with professional development opportunities.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• The chance to contribute to a positive and nurturing home environment for children in need.

If you are passionate about child welfare and committed to making a difference, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to become a part of the Nurturing Nests team!