Senior Children's Residential Support Worker (Shift Leader)

Agency: Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency
Client: Witherslack Group (The UK’s leading special education and care provider)
Location: Crook, Durham
Contract Type: Regular / Full-Time
Salary: £36,231 - £40,640 (Includes base salary of £30,991 - £35,400 + approx. £3,840 for up to 4 sleep-ins per month + £1,400 Attendance Allowance)
Closing Date: Friday, July 24, 2026

Those Huge, Small Victories

Working in a Children’s Home means being a cornerstone in a young person’s day-to-day life. You will be there for the highest highs and the lowest lows. As a Senior Residential Support Worker / Shift Leader, you will empower young people with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs to get their childhood back, creating pathways for them to become well-rounded adults.

There will be challenges along the way, but nothing compares to the fulfillment of celebrating the little things—those tiny moments that feel like a massive victory.

The Role: Get Out What You Put In

As a Shift Leader, you will balance direct care with team leadership. You will ensure the home runs smoothly, lasting memories are made, and your staff team feels entirely supported. You will also be prepared to step up and deputise for the Team Leaders when needed.

What’s In It For You?

Witherslack Group believes in rewarding hard work with the best salary and benefits package in the care sector:

Generous Time Off: 7 weeks of annual holiday.
Flexible Benefits: Customise your holiday allowance, pension, and life insurance to suit your lifestyle.
Paid Training & Qualifications: A full 4-week paid induction at the Care Academy. If you don't hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, we will fully fund and support you to achieve it!
Career Progression: Access to the ‘Aspire’ future managers programme (most Team Leaders and Managers are promoted from within).
Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive medical cover (claim back opticians and dental costs), employee assistance programmes, and free meals while on duty.
Extra Perks: Beautiful working environments with top-tier facilities, high-street discounts, and a £1,000 Refer-a-Friend bonus scheme.

What We Are Looking For

You don't need a lifetime of prior experience—we hire for attitude and train for skill. We just ask that you bring your authentic self and meet the following criteria:

A "can-do" attitude and a passion for rolling up your sleeves to help a team.
Deep honesty, empathy, and emotional resilience to handle challenging situations.
A Full UK Driving Licence held for at least 12 months.
The desire to inspire colleagues and build meaningful relationships with young people.

Bring Your Whole Self to Work

At Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency and Witherslack Group, inclusion isn’t just a buzzword—it’s who we are. We celebrate neurodiversity, diverse backgrounds, and unique lived experiences. We welcome applications from all walks of life and are happy to provide any adjustments you need throughout the recruitment process.

Safeguarding Notice: Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (fully funded by us) and an online background search.