About The Role

Closing date: Midnight on the 14 th September 2026

Benefits

29 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays, with up to 5 additional days for continuous service and option to buy or sell leave
Gain professional qualifications and excellent training/development opportunities
Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages
Pension with up to 7% employer contribution with included life assurance cover
Staff discount portal and Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 national retailers’ discounts

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 688,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

Join our dedicated team at Hestia House as a Residential Support Worker, where you’ll play a vital role in transforming the lives of children with disabilities and complex changing support needs. In this rewarding position, you’ll provide person centred care that empowers children to develop essential life skills and navigate daily challenges with confidence.

As a Residential Support Worker, you’ll assist young people transition into our service, maximizing their opportunities for a bright and positive long-term future. Your compassionate approach will help create a nurturing environment, fostering growth and independence while working closely with each child to understand their unique needs and aspirations. Experience with communication methods for children with disabilities, such as Picture Exchange Communication (PECS) or Makaton is preferred but not a requirement. However, our children cannot always express verbally their needs, so our team need to adapt by interpreting body language and following nonverbal cues.

A bit about the Service

Hestia house is a thoughtfully designed 4 bedded residential service in Ipswich, dedicated to supporting children and young people aged 8 to 18 years with disabilities and complex changing support needs.

We pride ourselves in a loving and caring environment, our team work cohesively to foster a culture that is kind, patient, diverse and inclusive.

Residential support workers at both entry and senior levels are warmly welcome, applications from individuals whose values resonate with those of Action for Children's is paramount. Please note that while some aspects of the job description may not apply to you at an entry level this should in no way discourage you from applying.

How you’ll help create brighter futures

In the role of Residential Support Worker, you'll be

Providing lead case/care planning management, including assessing, reviewing, and managing risk.
Co-ordinating responsibilities within the service, with multi agency and producing family information, including analysis and written reports.
Attending professional meetings including reviews, court work etc.
working collaboratively with your team with the primary aim of the provision of a high-quality service
Supervising and guiding staff as required, in accordance with Action for Children policies and procedures.
Leading by example with the application of Action for Children's policy procedures and professional practice standards and in line with registration requirements.

Let’s talk about you
Are you resilient and have a positive approach to change and challenge? We are looking for someone with a ‘can do’ attitude to join our team.

Ideally you will have

Experience of leading Shifts in a Care setting
Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or recognised equivalent)- if you don’t, we will support you in undertaking this qualification.
Experience and training in safeguarding.
An innovative and creative approach to problem solving.
Developing/ experience of adhering to detailed support plan
The ability to create a fun and safe- environment for both staff and children in the home and in the community.

Contact: If you need support with your application, please contact our Sarah Manderfield at [email hidden] quoting the 13639

We'll be happy to give you any support you require.

Why Action for Children?

Every child should have a loving home, food, warmth, the chance to grow and learn - the support to cope with life’s challenges. But too many children don’t. By bringing your passion and unique skills and experience, you’ll help us change that where it really matters.

We've been driven by love to take action for children for over 150 years, giving them the protection and practical help they need. A lot’s changed since 1869. But what children really need, hasn’t. So as long as children need us, we’ll be here.

Will you join us?

Please note, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Diversity, equality and inclusion

At Action for Children, we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to thrive. We know that racism and discrimination create barriers, and we’re taking active steps to challenge these inequalities in our organisation and in the communities we serve.

We strongly welcome applications from people who are Black, Asian, or from other racialised and ethnically marginalised communities, as well as disabled people, who are currently under‑represented in our workforce. We are committed to removing barriers in our recruitment processes and ensuring fair access to opportunities.

We also encourage applications from men, who are under‑represented in our Children’s Services roles. We recognise that people hold multiple identities, and we value the richness this brings to our team.

Want to know more about Action for Childen?

Check out our socials on, Linkedin , Facebook or Youtube .