Children’s Residential Support Worker

Dover | Deal | Sandwich

£13.70 per hour + £60 per sleep in and a consistent working pattern which gives you more structured shifts and consecutive days off.

What makes us different?

• We make a house a home: Each of our current homes looks just like a regular family home with either 3, 4 or 5 children.
• Therapeutic Care: Each of our homes has an allocated therapist who supports the children and staff alike through monthly therapeutic thinking time (TTT’S).
• Training: You’ll receive a full induction training package, as well as additional therapeutic training and a fully funded level 3 diploma in residential children’s service.
• Progression: We have fantastic progress rates within all our homes with many of our support workers becoming, seniors, deputy managers or even registered managers!

Additional Perks, Rewards, and benefits

• Private Optical, Dental and Audiological cover
• Private Medical care
• Loyalty scheme which rewards you with extra annual leave following 2 years of service, up to 5 extra days.
• Long service awards for 5-, 10- and 15-years’ service
• Regular team building days, parties, meals and more!
• Complimentary health and wellbeing support with our employee’s assistance programme
• Full Training Package. This includes a fully funded Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare qualification.

What does the job involve?

You will play a pivotal role in providing safety, support, therapeutic care, guidance, and nurture to the children and young people in our Therapeutic Community.

This will include assisting the children with their daily routines including preparation for school, participation in extra-curricular activities and mealtime preparation.

You will share experiences and engage in meaningful interactions to foster positive relationships and sense of belonging.

Using the skills you have acquired through training; you will provide therapeutic support and care tailored to the individual needs of each child who may have experienced trauma in their younger years, helping to build a more positive outcome for them.

This is a physically and mentally demanding role that will challenge and reward you.

What we are looking for:

• Due to company policy, you must be 21 years of age or over.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Calm, approachable manner, adaptable and non-judgemental.
• Able to work under own initiative and as part of a team.
• Basic housekeeping and cooking skills.

Channels and Choices are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the young people in our care. Staff are all required to adhere to the organisation’s Safeguarding Policies and Procedures. This post will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Disclosure, an employment background check, satisfactory references & verification of a right to work in the UK. As part of our commitment to Safer Recruitment, CV’s cannot be considered without a completed application form.

Channels & Choices are committed to ensuring that we are always recruiting, retaining, and promoting a diverse mix of colleagues who are representative of the diversity in our local community. We actively celebrate our staff’s different abilities, sexual orientation, ethnicity, faith, and gender. Everyone is welcome to apply for a job with Channels & Choices and our staff are supported in their development at all stages in their journey with us.

DEPUTY MANAGER – CHILDREN’S HOME

Responsible To: Registered Manager

Starting salary of £44,907 per annum.

Permanent, Full time Position – minimum of 37.5 hours per week, including 2 sleep-ins.

£1,000 Bonus for an Outstanding Ofsted rating.

Travel allowance of up to £40 per week.

(Salary does include 2 sleep-ins per week at £60 for each sleep-in and a yearly on-call payment of £1,500)

Perks, Rewards and Benefits

• Private Optical, Dental and Audiological cover
• Private Medical care
• Loyalty scheme which rewards you with extra annual leave following 2 years of service, up to 5 extra days.
• Long service awards for 5-, 10- and 15-years’ service
• Regular team building days, parties, meals and more!
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Complimentary health and wellbeing support with our employee’s assistance programme
• Full Training Package

Start a rewarding career in management! Due to company expansion, we have some great opportunities for aspiring managers.

Are you Deputy Manager looking for a new challenge or a Senior Shift Leader with aspirations to progress? We have some fantastic career opportunities for you in one of our Outstanding Children’s homes based in East Kent.

Channels and Choices Therapeutic Community aims to be a Centre of Excellence in Child Care and Education. We are an award winning, dynamic company specialising in children’s residential care, Fostering and Education based in South East Kent. OFSTED judge our services as ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’. We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment.

What does the job involve?

As the Deputy Manager of our Residential Children’s Home, you will play a crucial role in supporting the Registered Manager in efficiently co-managing the home. This is a physically and mentally demanding role that will challenge and reward you.

You will oversee the development of staff and young people in placement, formulate and update placement plans, risk assessments, and positive handling plans. Your leadership will contribute to the delivery of high-quality service provision and promoting the Company’s therapeutic ethos.

What we are looking for:

• Due to company policies, you must be 21 years of age or over.
• Experience of working as a senior member of staff within a children’s residential care setting
• Proven ability to lead staff teams.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Children’s Homes Regulations
• Level 3 Diploma in Children’s Residential Service or equivalent
• Previous experience in a Deputy Manager role or Senior Shift Leader in a Residential Children’s Care Setting (Desirable)
• Any relevant or transferrable skills, such as First Aid trained.
• Understanding and knowledge of Therapeutic Approach to Childcare (Desirable)
• NVQ or Diploma Level 5 in Leadership & Management in Residential Children’s Services or equivalent (Desirable)
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Calm, approachable manner, adaptable and non-judgemental.
• Able to work under own initiative and as part of a team.
• Excellent organisational skills
• Knowledge of Child Protection & Safeguarding legislations
• Resilient, enthusiastic, and motivated person
• Ability to drive and holds a current driving licence.

We have a strong commitment to staff development and there will be considerable opportunities for internal and external training and for sharing good practice within the community.

Duties & Responsibilities

• In the registered managers absence to have day to day managerial oversight of the home completing all managerial responsibilities such as but not limited to, ensuring compliance with the Statement of Purpose.

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of relevant legislation for Childrens Homes and provide guidance to staff accordingly.
• Provide effective leadership to direct and support the staff team in delivering person-centred childcare aimed at achieving the best outcomes for each young person.
• Implement and adhere to the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, Quality Care Standards and SCCIF Guidelines.
• Promptly address recommendations or requirements for service improvement following any OFSTED inspection.
• Ensure implementation and adherence to Channels and Choices Safeguarding Policy and Local Authority Safeguarding procedures.
• Notify Local Authority Social Workers of all significant events, incidents, changes, and Physical Interventions with 24 hours.
• Work cohesively and in partnership with team members and other professionals to provide comprehensive care and support.
• Ensure that children receive sensitive and high-quality care in line with their needs and the expectations of the care planning objectives as set out by the local authority.
• Undertake all necessary administrative tasks in accordance with Channels and Choices Policies and Procedures to ensure the effective running of the home.
• Ensure compliance with Fire Regulations, Health and Safety Regulations and address action points from Quality Assurance and Regulation 44 reports promptly.
• Support the Manager in staff performance and development by conducting regular supervisions and participating in the annual appraisal process.
• Participate effectively in the on-call duty system.
• Complete required training within specified timeframes and maintain an up-to-date training record.
• Undertake any other duties deemed appropriate from time to time to ensure the smooth operation of the home.

We are looking for candidates who have proven skills and experience in a Residential Care Setting or equivalent setting and are passionate about improving the lives and outcomes for children and young people. We promote the well-being of our young people through a wide and varied programme of activities, sports, and hobbies.

If you’re looking for a rewarding career and the chance to make a real difference to children who need it the most, apply to work for Channels & Choices today. After a successful initial application, we’ll invite you in for an informal interview.

What are you waiting for? Apply online today.

Channels and Choices are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the young people in our care. Staff are all required to adhere to the organisation’s Safeguarding Policies and Procedures. This post will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Disclosure, an employment background check, satisfactory references & verification of a right to work in the UK. As part of our commitment to Safer Recruitment, CV’s cannot be considered without a completed application form.

Channels & Choices are committed to ensuring that we are always recruiting, retaining, and promoting a diverse mix of colleagues who are representative of the diversity in our local community. We actively celebrate our staff’s different abilities, sexual orientation, ethnicity, faith, and gender. Everyone is welcome to apply for a job with Channels & Choices and our staff are supported in their development at all stages in their journey with us.

Learning Mentor

£25,480.59 FTE + SEN Allowance £2,679 – 39 weeks out of 52

The Sallygate School is an Independent Special School catering to the unique needs of pupils with SEMH.  Located in the heart of the Alkham Valley, near Dover, the Sallygate School is part of Channels & Choices Therapeutic Community which comprises of several therapeutic residential children’s homes, an independent therapeutic fostering agency and a multi-disciplinary therapy service, including SaLT & OT service.

As a Learning Mentor at Sallygate School, you will play a vital role in supporting the social, emotional and academic development of children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Working as part of a dedicated multidisciplinary team, you will build trusting relationships with pupils, helping them to overcome barriers to learning, develop resilience, and thrive within a safe, nurturing, and aspirational school environment.

You will provide structured mentoring support both in and outside the classroom, contribute to behaviour regulation strategies, promote positive engagement in learning, and act as a key adult for pupils requiring individualised interventions. Using trauma-informed, attachment-aware, and therapeutic approaches, you will guide pupils in managing their emotions, building self-esteem, and developing the personal and interpersonal skills needed for success in education and life.

At the heart of this role is a commitment to modelling and promoting our core values of Respect, Kindness, Resilience and Tolerance. These values shape every interaction we have with our pupils and with one another. As a Learning Mentor, you will actively demonstrate these values by showing unconditional positive regard, promoting restorative relationships, encouraging perseverance, and fostering an inclusive environment where difference is celebrated and everyone is treated with dignity.

This role requires compassion, creativity, and the ability to remain calm and consistent in challenging situations. It is ideal for someone who believes in restorative practices, co-regulation, and the power of strong, respectful relationships to transform outcomes for vulnerable learners.

• Duties and Responsibilities

The Learning Mentor will support the personal, social and educational development of pupils who may be facing barriers to engagement. Working across the school day, the postholder will act as a consistent, caring adult, contributing to a positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment for all pupils.

Supporting Pupils:

• Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils as a key adult, using empathy, consistency, and clear boundaries to foster a sense of safety and belonging.
• Provide individual and small group mentoring sessions that support pupils’ emotional regulation, confidence, and readiness to learn.
• Use restorative approaches and trauma-informed strategies to help pupils reflect on behaviour, rebuild relationships, and develop positive coping mechanisms.
• Support pupils in transitions across the day (arrival, breaktimes, lessons, end of day), maintaining a calm presence and helping them access learning successfully.
• Encourage pupil voice and participation in school life, championing a culture of Respect, Kindness, Resilience and Tolerance in all interactions.

Supporting Learning and Behaviour:

• Work collaboratively with teaching staff and Pupil Support Staff to maintain engagement and reduce disruption within the classroom.
• Proactively identify potential flashpoints or barriers to participation and use pre-emptive strategies to maintain a calm and inclusive classroom environment.
• Supervise and engage pupils in structured activities during unstructured times (e.g. break, lunch, transitions), promoting social skills and reducing incidents of dysregulation.

Pastoral Support and Safeguarding:

• Monitor and report any safeguarding concerns in line with school policies and statutory guidance, recording accurately and sensitively on school systems.
• Actively contribute to the safeguarding culture of the school, attending relevant training and remaining vigilant to signs of distress or abuse.
• Provide emotional support to pupils in moments of crisis or dysregulation, using co-regulation, therapeutic conversation and reflection.
• Work closely with parents, residential homes, foster carers, social workers and external agencies where appropriate, always upholding confidentiality and professionalism.

Teamwork and Professional Practice:

• Participate in daily briefings, debriefings, team meetings and supervision sessions to support joined-up practice and consistent responses.
• Maintain accurate records of interventions, concerns, and pupil progress as directed.
• Engage fully in professional development opportunities, including reflective practice, behaviour management, and trauma-informed approaches.
• Actively promote the ethos and values of Sallygate School, acting as a role model for pupils and colleagues.
• Carry out any other duties commensurate with the post as directed by the senior leadership team, to support the smooth running of the school.

Skills and Experience

We are looking for an individual who brings a blend of compassion, resilience, and practical expertise to support our pupils effectively. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following:

Essential Skills and Qualities:

• An understanding of the social, emotional, and behavioural needs of children and young people, particularly those with SEMH, trauma histories, or SEND.
• Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils, often in the face of challenging behaviours and emotional dysregulation.
• Experience in using de-escalation strategies, restorative approaches, and co-regulation techniques to support positive behaviour.
• Excellent communication skills – able to listen empathetically, model respectful language, and communicate clearly with both pupils and professionals.
• Highly organised, proactive and reliable, with the ability to work flexibly in a fast-paced environment.
• Committed to modelling the school’s core values of Respect, Kindness, Resilience, and Tolerance in all relationships and professional conduct.
• Confidence to work independently as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, including teachers, therapists, care staff and senior leaders.
• Ability to remain calm, emotionally available, and solution-focused in moments of stress, conflict, or crisis.

Desirable Experience

• Experience of mentoring or key-working with vulnerable young people, especially those with attachment difficulties, ACEs, or safeguarding concerns.
• Understanding of safeguarding practices and experience in identifying and responding to concerns.
• Experience supporting pupils with additional needs including ASD, ADHD, and communication difficulties.
• Experience facilitating group work, therapeutic activities, or structured play/engagement sessions.

Person Specification:

The following outlines the minimum criteria for this post.  Applicants who have a disability and who meet the minimum criteria will be shortlisted.

All applicants should describe in their application how they meet these criteria.

SEND & Inclusion Assistant – Term Time – Special Needs Position

Are you passionate about helping children and young people overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential? 

Sallygate School is seeking a dedicated and compassionate SEND & Inclusion Assistant to join our committed team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, and communication difficulties within a nurturing, trauma-informed educational environment. 

The position will be a term-time only role, working 39 weeks of the year.

The hours will be Monday and Wednesdays 8:00am-4:30pm, Tuesday and Thursday 8:00-4:00pm and Fridays 8:00-3:00pm.

The salary is shown as £28,850.00 FTE. Pro-rata this would be £24,744.42 and will be spread across 12 monthly payments.

About the Role 

Working closely with the SENCO, teaching staff, Learning Mentors, therapists, families and external professionals, you will help coordinate and deliver high-quality SEND provision across the school. You will support pupils to access learning, build confidence, develop positive relationships and achieve successful outcomes. 

This varied and rewarding role combines pupil support, intervention delivery, family engagement, administration and collaboration with professionals to ensure every child receives the support they need to thrive.

Key Responsibilities 

• Deliver targeted interventions and support programmes for pupils with SEND and SEMH needs. 

• Support the implementation and monitoring of EHCPs and individual support plans. 

• Help pupils develop emotional regulation, communication, independence and resilience. 

• Work collaboratively with families, staff and external agencies to achieve positive outcomes. 

• Support inclusive practices across the school and promote a culture of belonging. 

• Maintain accurate records and contribute to statutory SEND processes and reviews. 
• Champion pupil wellbeing and ensure safeguarding responsibilities are always upheld. 

What We’re Looking For 

We are looking for someone who: 

• Has experience working with children or young people with SEND and/or SEMH needs. 

• Understands inclusive, trauma-informed and therapeutic approaches. 

• Builds positive relationships with pupils, families and professionals. Is organised, proactive and able to manage a varied workload. 

•  Is committed to helping every child feel valued, understood and successful. 

Channels and Choices are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the young people in our care. Staff are all required to adhere to the organisation’s Safeguarding Policies and Procedures. This post will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Disclosure, an employment background check, satisfactory references & verification of a right to work in the UK. As part of our commitment to Safer Recruitment, CV’s cannot be considered without a completed application form.

Channels & Choices are committed to ensuring that we are always recruiting, retaining, and promoting a diverse mix of colleagues who are representative of the diversity in our local community. We actively celebrate our staff’s different abilities, sexual orientation, ethnicity, faith, and gender. Everyone is welcome to apply for a job with Channels & Choices and our staff are supported in their development at all stages in their journey with us.

Shift Leader

Dover | Deal | Sandwich

100% of our Shift Leaders and Senior Shift Leaders started their careers as Support Workers with Channels & Choices!

Full time basic salary from £36,367.50 to £38,668.50, including sleep ins and a consistent working pattern which gives you more structured shifts and consecutive days off.

Stating hourly rate £15.45 (salary for 37.5 hours and 2 sleeps per week £36,367.50)

Top hourly rate £16.63 (salary for 37.5 hours and 2 sleeps per week £38,668.50).

What makes us different?

• We make a house a home: Each of our current homes looks just like a regular family home with either 3, 4 or 5 children.
• Therapeutic Care: Each of our homes has an allocated therapist who supports the children and staff alike through monthly therapeutic thinking time.
• Training: You’ll receive a full induction training package, as well as additional therapeutic training.
• Progression: We have fantastic progress rates within all our homes with many of our Shift Leaders becoming, seniors, deputy managers or even registered managers!

Additional Perks, Rewards, and benefits

• Private Optical, Dental and Audiological cover
• Private Medical care
• Loyalty scheme which rewards you with extra annual leave following 2 years of service, up to 5 extra days.
• Long service awards for 5-, 10- and 15-years’ service
• Regular team building days, parties, meals and more!
• Complimentary health and wellbeing support with our employee’s assistance programme
• Full Training Package.
• Cycle to work scheme

What does the job involve?

As a Shift Leader, you will play a pivotal role in providing safety, support, therapeutic care, guidance, and nurture to the children and young people in our Therapeutic Community.

You will lead shifts and assume managerial responsibilities in the absence of more senior staff members. Your role will involve promoting key life skills, appropriate behaviours, interests, activities, games, and education to help children reach their full potential. Additionally, you will facilitate the development of independent living skills to prepare children for transitions to foster care and independent living.

This is a physically and mentally demanding role that will challenge and reward you.

What we are looking for:

• Due to company policy, you must be 21 years of age or over.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Calm, approachable manner, adaptable and non-judgemental.
• Able to work under own initiative and as part of a team.
• Basic housekeeping and cooking skills.

• NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Residential Children’s Services or equivalent qualification.

If you’re looking for a rewarding career and the chance to make a real difference to children who need it the most, apply to work for Channels & Choices today. After a successful initial application, we’ll invite you in for an informal interview.

What are you waiting for? Apply online today.

Please note that we do not provide Sponsorship.

If you would like more information or have any questions, please contact a member of our HR team on 01304 361888.