Residential Support Worker

Salary: £27,000 per annum

Location: Hamilton, South Lanarkshire

Contract/Hours: Permanent / Full Time – 37 hours per week however we will also accept applications for part time

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 5% employer contribution and life assurance cover
• Blue Light Card eligibility with discounts at 15,000 national retailers

At Action for Children, we offer more than just a job. Join us and you’ll be part of a team dedicated to giving children safe and happy childhoods. See how your skills can make a real difference, helping solve the problems children and young people face every day.

About the role

We’re delighted to share that our service is growing. Alongside our well‑loved short break respite care, we’re now offering long‑term residential placements, creating even more opportunities to support children, young people, and their families in meaningful, lasting ways.

If you’ve built experience in a care setting and feel ready to take the next step, our Residential Support Worker role could be a wonderful fit. You’ll be part of a team that uplifts young people every day, helping them build resilience, supporting their wellbeing, and ensuring they feel safe, valued, and encouraged to thrive. Your commitment to person‑centred care and strong social care values will make a genuine difference in their lives.

About the service

At our Silverton Short Breaks Service, we support children and young people aged 5–18 with disabilities, offering enriching experiences that promote independence, spark joy, and open doors to new friendships and community connections. Our short breaks also give parents and caregivers essential time to rest, knowing their child is in a warm, inclusive, and nurturing environment.

This is a chance to be part of something truly impactful—helping young people grow, explore, and feel supported every step of the way.

How you’ll help to create brighter futures

Some of the main things you’ll be doing as a Residential Support Worker include:

• Taking the lead on care planning — assessing situations, reviewing progress, and helping manage any risks.
• Working closely with other agencies and keeping families updated with clear, thoughtful reports and information.
• Attending important meetings, like reviews or court‑related discussions, to make sure the young person’s voice is heard.
• Making sure our young people feel safe, supported, and cared for while they’re living away from home.
• Helping with day‑to‑day routines and supporting their overall health, happiness, and wellbeing.
• Working alongside keyworkers to keep each young person’s plan up to date and meaningful.

Let’s talk about you

Are you resilient and have a positive approach to change and challenge? We’re looking for someone with a ‘can do’ attitude to join our team. Ideally you’ll have:

• Possess HNC in social care (or recognised equivalent) and an SVQ3 in Social Care – Children and Young People within 5 years of taking up the post.
• Demonstrable experience of working in a care setting and developing positive relationships through trust.
• Application of a range of techniques to co-ordinate and communicate with service users and their families.
• Demonstrate a solution focused approach to address problems, individually and in a team setting.
• Demonstrate emotional resilience to respond to the challenging nature of the role.

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

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

AfC Commitment Statement

Make a Difference – A Career in Residential Services

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