Senior Support Worker

Proudly represented by Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency

Location: Colchester
Salary: £13.74 – £14.84 per hour
Position Type: Permanent, Full-Time (40 hours per week)
Division: Children’s Services (Phoenix House)
Opening Date: 03 July 2026
Closing Date: 31 July 2026

About the Opportunity

At Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency, we connect passionate care professionals with settings where they can truly make an impact. We are proud to partner with Phoenix House (part of the award-winning Salutem Care and Education family) in Colchester to find an inspiring, resilient Senior Support Worker.

Phoenix House is a warm, nurturing, and family-oriented residential home supporting up to four children with complex needs, including trauma and autism. Built on "Outstanding" foundations, this service offers a safe space where children develop resilience, achieve their personal goals, and genuinely thrive.

About the Role

As a Senior Support Worker, you will step into a vital leadership role. You will combine high-quality, trauma-informed direct care with the responsibility of guiding a dedicated shift team, acting as a role model for both the children and your colleagues.

Key Responsibilities:

Shift Leadership: Lead shifts, guide and mentor support staff, and ensure the home runs smoothly and safely.
Direct Care & Support: Provide emotional and practical support using a relationship-based, trauma-informed approach.
Care Planning: Act as a key worker, contributing directly to care plans, risk assessments, and goal setting.
Collaboration: Build strong, professional relationships with families, schools, social workers, and healthcare providers.
Compliance & Safeguarding: Maintain impeccable standards of safeguarding in line with Children’s Homes Regulations.
Daily Routines: Help young people with life skills, social activities, education, and positive routines.

What We’re Looking For

Experience: Prior experience working with children or young people (in care, education, youth work, or a similar setting).
Leadership Skills: The confidence to lead shifts, mentor team members, and handle challenging situations calmly.
Qualifications: A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or a genuine willingness to study for and complete it).
Mindset: A strong understanding of safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, and a resilient, empathetic nature.

Our Core Values

Our team operates under a shared set of guiding principles:

Supportive | Ambitious | Loyal | Unique | Transparent | Engaging | Meaningful

Why Choose Us? (Outstanding Benefits)

We believe that exceptional leaders deserve exceptional support. Our complete package is designed to look after every aspect of your life:

Benefit CategoryWhat You Get🧠 Emotional Support24/7 Employee Assistance Program, mental health resources, meditation app access, and bereavement support.🩺 Medical SupportFree Online GP access, Health Cash Plan, Cancer Cover, and Menopause support.💸 Financial SupportFlexible pay options via Wagestream, utility bill savings, Money Helper, and Life Assurance.🏃‍♂️ Physical SupportOnline workouts, Cycle to Work scheme, gym discounts, and National Trust activities.

Professional Growth: Enjoy clear pathways for career progression, specialized training, and development in an exciting service.
Industry Recognition: Work for an organization recognized as a Top Employer United Kingdom 2026, named among the Top 100 Global Inspiring Workplaces, and proudly certified as Disability Confident Committed.