Children's Residential Practitioner

Lincolnshire County Council; Lincoln; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Green Book terms and conditions

LGPS pension (employer contribution ~%

Salary sacrifice for cars and cycles

Flexible and hybrid working options

Generous annual leave (25+ days)

Job summary

Lincolnshire County Council is seeking a Children’s Residential Carer (Residential Care Officer Level 1) to join Robin House in Lincoln. The role involves supporting children and young people, building stable relationships, and delivering care in a home-like environment.

You’ll work a 37-hour week on a planned rota that includes sleep-in duties. Full training is provided, and the council values compassionate, patient, and proactive individuals with a genuine care for children’s welfare.

Qualifications

• Basic IT skills required.
• Knowledge or experience of caring roles is helpful but not essential.
• Willingness to work towards a QCF qualification in working with children.
• A driving licence is desirable, though negotiable for some homes.

Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with children and young people.
• Create a warm, stable home environment.
• Work with a multidisciplinary team to meet each child’s individual needs.
• Support children to develop independence, confidence and life skills.

Skills

Basic IT skills

Caring experience helpful

QCF qualification-willingness

Driving licence desirable

Job description

Job Title: Children’s Residential Carer (Residential Care Officer Level 1)

Working Pattern: Full-time, permanent, 37 hours per week; planned rota across a range of shifts, including sleep-in duties

Salary: £31,015 - £33,673 per year

Location: Robin House, Lincoln

Closing Date: 24th September 2026

Due to recent changes in immigration law in the UK we are unable to offer skilled worker visa sponsorship for this role as it does not meet the requirements.

About the Role

As a Children’s Residential Carer (known locally as a Residential Care Officer Level 1), you’ll play a vital role in helping children and young people feel safe, supported and prepared for their future. This is a role with real responsibility and real impact — offering consistency, care and encouragement at the moments children need it most.

What you’ll be doing

• Building strong, trusting relationships with children and young people
• Creating a warm, stable and nurturing home environment
• Working closely with a multidisciplinary team to meet each child’s individual needs
• Supporting children to develop independence, confidence and life skills

Pay & Working Pattern

• Salary: £31,015 - £33,673 per year
• Sleeping-in payment: £44.54 per sleep
• Mileage: Reimbursed at 55p per mile
• Overtime: Paid at time-and-a-half
• Hours: 37 hours per week, full-time, permanent
• Shift pattern: You’ll work on a planned rota across a range of shifts, some of which include sleeping at the home. Rotas are provided well in advance to support a healthy work/life balance.

About You

You don’t need previous professional care experience — we’ll provide full training and ongoing development. We’re looking for people with the right values and approach, including:

• A caring, playful and energetic nature — children learn and heal through play
• Kindness, patience and compassion — essential for helping children feel safe
• The ability to set clear, calm boundaries with warmth and consistency
• A genuine passion for children’s welfare and wellbeing

Skills & Requirements

• Basic IT skills
• Knowledge or experience of caring roles is helpful but not essential
• Willingness to work towards a QCF qualification in working with children
• A driving licence is desirable, though negotiable for some homes

What We Offer at Robin House

We are committed to supporting our staff just as strongly as we support our children. You’ll benefit from:

• A high-quality induction programme
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• Trauma-informed and therapeutic training
• Access to therapeutic support to help children feel safe and understood
• A strong, visible leadership team that values, supports and listens to staff

Our Benefits Package

Alongside a competitive salary, you’ll also receive:

• “Green Book” Local Government terms and conditions
• Local Government Pension Scheme (employer contribution approx. 24%)
• Salary sacrifice schemes for cars and cycles
• Excellent discount and benefit schemes
• Flexible and hybrid working options where appropriate
• Generous annual leave — minimum 25 days plus bank holidays, with the option to buy more
• Free financial wellbeing advice

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Fluency Duty In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Our values – collaborative, adaptable, eco-conscious, supportive, and responsible – guide everything we do. We’re looking for candidates who share these values and bring them to life in their work, helping us build strong teams and make a real difference in the communities we serve.