Residential Support Worker – Children’s Disability (Downpatrick)

About the role

Join a specialist children’s disability service in Downpatrick, providing essential support to vulnerable young people in a residential setting. You will help create a safe, structured environment while using trauma‑informed approaches to bring stability and warmth to each child’s day.

Key responsibilities

• Build trust by engaging children with creative, trauma‑informed methods.
• Maintain safety through de‑escalation techniques for aggression, challenging behaviours, or self‑harm.
• Advocate for each child by producing accurate daily reports that inform long‑term therapeutic care plans.

Required profile

• Minimum 6 months paid UK care experience in children’s residential support, crisis settings, or similar roles.
• Registered with NISCC (or willingness to register).
• Willingness to undergo an Enhanced Access NI check, including Barred List checks for children and vulnerable adults.
• Calm, resilient, non‑judgemental attitude toward complex behaviours.
• Strong communication skills and ability to build rapport.
• Full UK driving licence highly desirable for community activities.

Required skills

• De‑escalation and crisis management.
• Trauma‑informed engagement techniques.
• Clear, concise report writing.

What we offer

• Competitive hourly rate of £14.06 – £15.88, plus unsocial and weekend premiums.
• Flexibility to select shifts or block‑book schedules.
• Refer‑a‑friend scheme: £300 for each successful carer referral.
• Dedicated 1‑on‑1 support from a specialist care consultant.