Job Introduction

We are offering a rare and rewarding opportunity to start your career in care by joining the founding team of a brand-new, not-for-profit Children’s Residential Home in Wimborne, Dorset.

This service will support children with learning disabilities, offering a safe, nurturing, and empowering space where every child is given the opportunity to grow, thrive, and feel at home. We’re seeking Support Workers who are compassionate, reliable, and ready to make a real difference in children’s lives.

Salary & Key Details

Salary: From £14.50 per hour + additional for overnight shifts (£15.50 per hour if Level 3 in Residential Childcare is held)
Contract Type: Full-time, part-time, and bank contracts available
Job Category: Care & Support
Location: Wimborne, Dorset
Closing Date: 8 August 2026

What You’ll Receive

Competitive hourly rates starting from £14.50ph up to £15.50ph.
Opportunities for a fully funded qualification in Level 3 Residential Childcare.
Company pension scheme.
Refer-a-friend bonus of up to £1,000*.
Paid Enhanced DBS.
Blue Light Discount package.
Early On Demand Pay.
Career development pathways and comprehensive training.
Staff recognition and appreciation schemes.

Your Role as a Support Worker

As part of a team wholeheartedly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, you’ll provide consistent, compassionate support to children with learning disabilities—helping them feel safe, valued, and empowered. You will:

Build trusting, positive relationships with children and young people.
Support daily routines – from school runs and mealtimes to play and bedtime.
Help children learn life skills and build their independence.
Work as part of a team to ensure children feel safe, secure, and cared for.
Support with care plans, routines, and risk assessments (with full training provided).
Handle challenging behaviour calmly and with empathy, using a therapeutic approach.
Take part in fun, active days – every day is different!
Be part of the sleep-in rota, with an average of 4 sleep-ins per month (flexibility is essential).

About You

We’re looking for people who are caring, reliable, and motivated to make a difference. You don’t need experience—we’ll provide full training and support. You will:

Have a genuine interest in supporting children with learning disabilities.
Be patient, resilient, and emotionally intelligent.
Be able to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-ins.
Be physically and mentally fit for the role.
Have a positive attitude and a team-player mindset.
Hold or be committed to completing NVQ Level 3 (or above) in Residential Childcare.
Hold a driving licence (desirable but not essential).

Additional Information

Inclusion & Equal Opportunities: We believe in building teams that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Equal opportunities are at the heart of everything we do. We are also proud signatories of the Care Leaver Covenant and encourage care leavers to apply.
Safeguarding: This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings must be declared, subject to DBS filtering rules. The role is subject to enhanced DBS checks and comprehensive vetting procedures in line with safer recruitment standards.

Residential Support Worker - Children's Services