Residential Support Workers, temporary, permanent and flexible solutions

Residential Support Workers

Residential Support Workers work with children and young adolescents (service users) who are in care. It is a demanding role, where many of the looked after children will exhibit challenging behaviour and are very vulnerable. You must know how to deal with all types of children’s behaviours, and be able to follow the correct and accepted procedures in dealing with the challenges that these behaviours present. Day-to-day the role can change depending on such variables as which child you are supporting or the time of your shift.

The focus of such care is to create an environment which provides continuing support for the child, and some form of structure to their lives. Activities often involve taking the child out for the day and some may often include general duties around the home such as helping them learn, making them food and encouraging them to have personal care and independence. Resident Support Workers are often needed to work overnight in the unit as looked after children must be supervised at all hours of the day. Night duties will include ensuring that all the children are asleep in their rooms, and dealing with problems that may arise in the night.

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