Action for Children
Residential Support Worker
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Salary: £27,100 per annum, pro rata
Location: Cumnock, East Ayrshire
Contract/Hours: Permanent / Full Time – 37 hours per week - Flexibility with working hours including Part Time and Casual hours
Closing date for applications is midnight of Thursday 6th August
Benefits:
- Over 7 weeks inclusive paid leave and the option to buy or sell leave
- Excellent training and the opportunity to undertake professional training for some roles
- Flexible maternity, paternity and adoption packages
- Up to 7% employer contribution and life assurance cover
- Blue Light Card eligibility with discounts at 15,000 national retailers
We are one of the largest children’s charities in the UK and have been making a difference to the lives of the UK’s vulnerable children for over 150 years.
A bit about the role
As a Residential Support Worker, you’ll support young people to reach their full potential by assessing their needs, helping set meaningful goals, and reviewing their progress. You’ll create a safe, fun, and stimulating environment that supports their development and wellbeing.
You’ll get involved in a wide range of activities, both in the service and out in the community — from trips to shops, parks, the cinema, soft play, youth clubs, and the beach, to swimming and other leisure activities. You’ll also support daily routines, help build life skills, provide personal care, and administer medication (with full training provided).
This role is ideal for someone with care experience who’s ready to grow in their career. You’ll manage risk in a way that empowers young people and builds resilience, while being a positive role model and demonstrating strong person‑centred values.
In return, you’ll receive a thorough induction, ongoing training, and support to gain the qualifications needed to progress. Regular supervision, team meetings, and a welcoming work culture will help you feel part of the team and ready for the next step in your career.
A bit about the service
‘Meeting new people. Exploring new places. Trying new things.’ That’s at the heart of our Lisalanna Short Breaks service. Our short stays give disabled children and young people the chance to have fun, build independence, and develop new skills, while offering families valuable time to rest and recharge.
Lisalanna Short Breaks provides planned, high‑quality respite for children and young people aged 5 to 21. We offer safe, enjoyable, and meaningful stays where young people can socialise, experience new activities, and grow in confidence within a nurturing environment.
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These breaks also give families the opportunity to pause, focus on their wellbeing, and feel reassured that their child is receiving excellent care. Our team works closely with families and professionals to tailor each stay to the young person’s needs, preferences, and goals.
With a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a strong commitment to person‑centred practice, our Short Breaks plays a vital role in supporting young people’s development and strengthening family resilience.
What you can do to make a difference
Some key responsibilities of the Residential Support Worker roles are;
- Taking a gentle lead in care planning — getting to know each child or young person, understanding their needs, and helping to assess, review, and manage risk in a way that keeps them safe and supported.
- Bringing everyone together by coordinating responsibilities within the service, working closely with multi‑agency partners, and creating clear, thoughtful information for families, including written reports and reflective analysis.
- Being a steady presence at professional meetings — from reviews to court‑related discussions — ensuring the young person’s voice and needs are represented with care and confidence.
- Supporting children and young people with their medical needs, offering reassurance, dignity, and calm, while following all training and guidance.
- Helping children and young people with every aspect of daily life, nurturing their health, wellbeing, and independence, and making a meaningful difference to their day‑to‑day experiences.
- Taking on key‑working responsibilities, building trusting relationships, and providing consistent guidance and encouragement as they grow and develop.
Let's talk about you
- Experience from a care setting and know how to build positive, trusting relationships that help children and young people feel safe and understood.
- You use a range of thoughtful and adaptable communication approaches to connect with children, young people, and their families, ensuring everyone feels informed and included.
- Approach challenges with a calm, solution‑focused mindset, working both independently and alongside your team to find the best way forward.
- Showing emotional resilience, responding sensitively and confidently to the more demanding aspects of the role while maintaining a supportive presence for others.
- Hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or recognised equivalent), or you’re willing to complete it within two years of joining us — with full support provided throughout your learning journey.
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Why Action for Children?
Every child should have a loving home, food, warmth, the chance to grow and learn - the support to cope with life’s challenges. But too many children don’t. By bringing your passion and unique skills and experience, you’ll help us change that where it really matters.
We've been driven by love to take action for children for over 150 years, giving them the protection and practical help they need. A lot’s changed since 1869. But what children really need, hasn’t. So as long as children need us, we’ll be here.
Will you join us?
Contact: Please submit an application via our careers page. If you have any further questions, you can contact Laura McCarthy at recruitmentservice@actionforchildren.org.uk quoting reference 13449
Diversity, equality and inclusion
We work hard to create an inclusive environment. One where individuality is celebrated and where everyone feels valued and supported. Because when we come together, with skills like yours, we’re capable of amazing things.
We actively encourage applications from people with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and people with a disability, as these groups are under-represented within Action for Children.
Want to get to know Action for Children better?
Job description
Action for Children Employee Benefits [https://fa-evrg-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/cs/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&fldFile=fFileGUID:1C4B42CBF404E1D732B45E2934BFA235&fldBrowsingMode=contribution]
AfC Commitment Statement [https://fa-evrg-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/cs/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&fldFile=fFileGUID:DE3442BDED111C3501F5DA7BBAB815B8&fldBrowsingMode=contribution]
Make a Difference - A Career in Residential Services [https://fa-evrg-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/cs/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&fldFile=fFileGUID:122051C72EF1BCDA7BAD4ACDC1FE01FD&fldBrowsingMode=contribution]
Find us on Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/action-for-children/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ActionforChildren] or YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/actionforchildren] to get to know us better.
Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
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