The main role of a residential support worker is to provide support for children, adolescents and adults in need of assistance in a specialised live-in facility. Most employees in this field are certificated workers and have experience with people in need. Most young people in residential care are without parental or family support, making the provision of guidance one of the main responsibilities
A successful residential support worker must have great relationship skills, especially in understanding the emotional problems of their child and adolescent clients. A successful applicant will be communicating regularly with several parties including the clients and their supervisors, so clear written and oral communication skills are essential
Because the job requires experience in social understanding and child developmental needs, a minimum of an NVQ2 in social care and certification in first aid and medication training is necessary for applicants. Salaries are usually around £22,000 – £30,000 per annum and all workers in contact with children are now required to undergo a police criminal record check.