Residential Support Worker (Casual)
Southwark Council
Do you see yourself making a real difference in people’s lives?
Can you use your experience, compassion, and commitment to support others to live fulfilled and independent lives?
Does the idea of joining a supportive, values‑driven team inspire you?
If yes, we have the perfect role for you!
Our Orient Street Short Breaks (Respite) Service is looking for passionate and dedicated Residential Support Workers (Casual) to join our amazing team and help make a difference today.
About the Role:
As a Residential Support Worker, you will be part of a skilled in‑house team providing high‑quality short breaks (respite) support to adults with learning disabilities, autism, and associated physical disabilities. The service includes 5 registered beds for adults and is fully regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
You will help create a person‑centred, safe, caring, engaging, and stimulating environment, supporting people to enjoy positive, meaningful stays while promoting their rights, wellbeing, skills, and independence.
The role also involves supporting individuals who require emergency or crisis placements and need reablement support to transition into new service provision.
Your work will be evidence‑based and outcome‑focused, ensuring dignity, choice, control, and maximum independence for the people we support and their families.
About You:
We are looking for individuals who share our values and bring the following qualities and skills:
Empathy and compassion – the ability to understand and respond to people’s feelings with genuine care
Patience – supporting individuals who may need extra time to communicate, move, or adjust
Emotional resilience – staying calm and supportive in an occasionally unpredictable environment
Respect and dignity – a commitment to promoting choice, privacy, autonomy, and rights
Strong communication skills – clear, calm verbal and non‑verbal communication, including active listening
Problem‑solving ability – confidence to respond to changing needs or unexpected situations
Teamwork – reliable, collaborative, and supportive within a close‑knit staff team
Excellent record‑keeping and attention to detail – ensuring continuity of care through accurate documentation
Adaptability – flexibility to meet different needs, routines, and situations
Experience in health or social care is desirable, but we welcome applicants with the right values and a willingness to learn.
About the Team:
You will join a dedicated and supportive team that is passionate about delivering high‑quality, person‑centred care. We work collaboratively to ensure people feel safe, valued, and empowered during their stay.
The service promotes a positive and inclusive team culture; ongoing training and professional development opportunities; supportive supervision and opportunities to grow within the organisation and a shared commitment to best practice, regulatory standards, and organisational values.
For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert.
Contact Information:
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Karen Walker at karen.walker@southwark.gov.uk.
Additional Information:
- This is a zero hours contract and shifts are dependent on the needs of the service.
- Shifts can include weekend and overnight work as well as bank holidays and religious festival days. Shift times are typically 07:00 – 15:00, 15:00 – 22:00, 21:3 - 7:30 but this can be subject to change.
- The post holder may be required to work outside of normal working hours in accordance with service needs.
- The service is recruiting for x 3 - 4 Casual positions.
- Post holders will be based at 19 Orient Street, London, SE11 4SR.
This post requires a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at Enhanced – Children’s and Adults' (Barred) level.
Benefits and more information:
https://jobs.southwark.gov.uk/why-us/
Recruitment Timeline:
Advert close date: 11:59pm on Wednesday 17th June 2026.
Shortlisting date: to be confirmed.
Interview date: to be confirmed.
The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme:
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
About Southwark:
We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises, and we have a young, diverse and growing population.
At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.
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