Are you passionate about making a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people?
At Able Health Care, we provide safe, nurturing homes for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD) and complex needs.
We are looking for resilient, caring, and enthusiastic people to join our team as Children’s Support Workers in Leiston. You’ll help children feel safe, valued, and supported, giving them the stability they need to grow, learn, and reach their potential.
This role is challenging at times, but always rewarding. Full training is provided, along with opportunities to achieve your Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, so you can build a career where you make a real impact every single day.
A Day in the Life of a Support Worker
You might begin your shift by supporting a young person through their morning routine, helping them regulate emotions and prepare for school. Later, you could be out on a walk, encouraging positive choices, or supporting a child to safely manage feelings of frustration or anxiety. In the evening, you may be helping with homework, joining in a football kickabout, or providing a listening ear when a young person needs someone they can trust.
Every day brings challenges — but also opportunities to change a child’s story for the better.
Your Role Will Include
- Supporting children and young people with EBD to develop coping strategies, life skills, and confidence.
- Providing consistent care, structure, and clear boundaries in line with individual care and behaviour support plans.
- Using trauma-informed approaches to help young people manage challenging behaviour safely and positively.
- Acting as a role model and creating a safe, stable, and nurturing environment.
- Working closely with colleagues, families, schools, and professionals to meet each child’s needs holistically.
- Recording, safeguarding, and care planning in line with Ofsted standards.
- Helping with daily routines, household tasks, and activities that promote wellbeing and independence.
What We’re Looking For
- Resilient, compassionate people who genuinely want to support children with complex needs.
- Experience working with children or young people is desirable — but we also welcome applicants with transferable skills from care, education, or similar sectors.
- Confidence in managing challenging behaviour calmly, safely, and consistently.
- Commitment to safeguarding and keeping children safe at all times.
- A valid driving licence is preferred.
Training and Development
Under Regulation 32 of the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, staff must have the appropriate skills and qualifications for their role. You don’t need the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare to join us, but you must be willing to work towards it (we’ll fully fund and support you to achieve it within 2 years).
We provide a full induction, regular supervision, reflective practice, and ongoing training, so you feel confident and supported in your role.
What We Offer
- Enhanced DBS check
- Competitive salary with overtime opportunities
- Company pension
- Casual dress
- Free meals while on shift
- Free parking
- Employee Assistance & Wellbeing Programme (24/7 confidential counselling, advice, and support)
- Refer a Friend scheme
- Career progression opportunities within a growing organisation
Please note:
The company is unable to sponsor employment of international workers in this role. All applicants must be able to evidence their right to work in the UK.
Apply Today
If you’re ready to start a rewarding career where you can make a difference every day, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now and help us provide children with the safe, nurturing home they deserve
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £12.26-£13.11 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Referral programme
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Leiston IP16: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- We are unable to offer Visa Sponsorship.
Do you require Visa Sponsorship?
YES or NO
Experience:
- working with children: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (preferred)
- Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Location:
- Leiston IP16 (preferred)
Work Location: In person
