Somerset Council
Residential Support Worker - The Lodge
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Closing date: 27/07/2026
Salary: Grade 13, Ranging from £25,989 - £28,142 per annum, pro rata, plus a £1,500 per annum recruitment allowance until 30/09/2027.
The Lodge, located in Taunton, offers care and support to children with complex health needs and learning disabilities. We provide a short break service and play an important part of Children’s Social Care in Somerset. We focus on promoting independence, social inclusion and choice to provide individual support to children and young people with complex health needs and learning disabilities.
We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, within a team who are passionate about the work that they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset. Our Support Workers benefit from great learning and development opportunities, along with a supportive leadership team.
Our current opportunities are for 23 hours per week and will include sleep-ins and every other weekend working. You’ll be paid £43.12 for each sleep-in and an extra £1.94 for each hour worked on Saturday and Sunday.
So come join a friendly, passionate team where you can make a real difference—without compromising your work-life balance. We offer flexible hours, strong relationships with children and families, and a warm, supportive environment that’s genuinely fun (yes, including the occasional fancy dress!). You’ll also benefit from great development opportunities and a leadership team that’s invested in your success.
We’re rated OUTSTANDING by Ofsted.
They said:
'Children enjoy their short breaks and were seen laughing and having fun with staff. Children make exceptional progress because their needs are really prioritised by the staff who care for them'.
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Role summary
As a Residential Support Worker, you will provide high-quality, child-centred care to children and young people in a residential setting, supporting their safety, wellbeing, development and independence. You will build positive relationships, support day-to-day living, and contribute to care planning to help each child achieve the best possible outcomes. Working as part of a team to you will create a safe, stable, and nurturing environment, acting as a positive role model while upholding professional standards, regulations, and Council values.
What you’ll do - key responsibilities
- Lead shifts with confidence – managing medication, delegating tasks and ensuring smooth handovers
- Build trusted relationships as a key worker, supporting children and young people every day
- Make a real difference to daily life – from activities and routines to creating a safe, nurturing home
- Support education, health and wellbeing, helping young people to thrive
- Work closely with families, professionals and support networks
- Keep clear, accurate records and contribute to care plans and reviews
- Take ownership of key areas of the home (e.g. fire safety, volunteers)
- Be an active team member – attending meetings and developing through training
What we’re looking for – knowledge, experience & skills
- Understanding of the needs of children and young people, including those who have experienced trauma or adversity
- Knowledge of safeguarding, child protection and professional boundaries
- Experience supporting children, young people or vulnerable individuals in a care, support or education setting
- Ability to build positive relationships and manage challenging behaviour with confidence and compassion
- Strong communication, organisation and record-keeping skills
- Resilient, emotionally aware and able to remain calm under pressure
- Willingness to achieve a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)
- Flexible approach to working evenings, weekends, sleep-ins and bank holidays
- Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and treating others with dignity and respect
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Additional Information
Permanent roles available, 23 hours a week.
We’re as flexible as we can be with shifts and will do what we can to support you to manage your work-life balance.
25 day’s annual leave (additional to bank holidays)
Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship
It’s important that you understand the role of a Support Worker at The Lodge so, if you are shortlisted, you will be offered an initial Teams discussion to explore the role and responsibilities of the position in more detail and how your knowledge and experience would fit. This will help us determine if you will be offered a face-to-face interview.
For further information or an informal discussion about this exciting opportunity, please contact: Karen Hill, Registered Manager, or Hannah Kearney, Deputy Manager on 01823 354604.
Job Description: AG1201 Residential Support Worker
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