Residential Support Worker (Casual)
Posted 7th Oct, 2026
About the role
This casual role sits across three residential homes in Sutton, providing day-to-day safe and secure care for children and teenagers in the council's residential services. You will form part of a dedicated, supportive team committed to applying a restorative practice and trauma-informed approach to achieving the best outcomes for children in care.
Working on a flexible hours contract, you will keep children engaged and occupied, encouraging and participating in fun, enriching activities in a safe and inclusive environment. The council's Residential Strategy seeks to bring children closer to the families and communities they know, living in high quality provision designed around them. You will be fully supported by hands-on and committed managers, with access to an integrated youth services support network.
This role includes:
- Providing consistent, safe and nurturing care that supports children's social and emotional development and educational achievement
- Applying restorative practice and a trauma-informed model as a therapeutic form of intervention to help teenagers make sense of their backgrounds and find a positive way forward
- Building trusted relationships with young people by setting boundaries and bringing consistency to their lives
- Using creative and innovative ways to communicate with and engage young people
- Working flexibly to meet the changing and challenging needs of the children
Shifts include evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-in duties. The pattern is varied, with late afternoon and evening coverage forming a key part of the rota. Additional payments are made for out-of-hours work.
To apply, click Apply Now on the job listing. For informal enquiries, contact the recruitment team at recruitment@sutton.gov.uk.
About You
Sutton is looking for compassionate individuals with the capacity to connect with teenagers. You will bring empathy, patience, and resilience to the role, with the ability to set clear boundaries and work flexibly to meet the changing needs of young people.
Experience working with children or young people in a residential setting is ideal, though not essential. Full training is provided, fostering skills and expertise around therapeutically working with and supporting children who have experienced developmental trauma.
The ideal candidate will:
- Be willing to work towards a fully-funded NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care (Residential Childcare Setting), which this role provides the opportunity to study for
- Have experience of working with children or young people, preferably in a residential setting
- Demonstrate patience, resilience, and the ability to set firm and consistent boundaries
- Be able to find and use creative ways to communicate and engage with young people
- Show a willingness to work flexibly and innovatively, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-in duties
- Be quick to learn and committed to continuously exploring new ways of achieving positive outcomes for young people
Sutton Council is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with barred list information, in line with Ofsted registration requirements. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
Sutton's Offer to You
Following significant Council investment and the continued growth and success of its Residential Services, Sutton is proud to be expanding its team. The Residential Strategy is designed around children, prioritising high quality provision that keeps young people connected to the families and communities they know.
Residential Care Support Workers are fully supported by hands-on and committed managers, with great access to training and a wider support network that includes integrated youth services. The council's approach is built on never giving up on a child, nurturing positive relationships, and applying knowledge and research innovatively to understand the impact of trauma. This role offers:
- A fully-funded NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care (Residential Childcare Setting)
- Access to hands-on management support and a committed team
- Full training in therapeutically working with children who have experienced developmental trauma
- Connection to an integrated youth services support network
- The opportunity to contribute to a growing, high-quality residential provision
- And more
