Relief Residential Children's Worker

Derbyshire County Council; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sleep-in payments

Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous annual leave

Competitive pay

Job summary

Derbyshire County Council is seeking Relief Residential Child Care Workers to provide services across Derbyshire's residential homes for children and young people. This role offers flexible hours, training and ongoing professional development, with emphasis on safeguarding and trauma-informed approaches.

The position supports education, health appointments and activities, building stable, nurturing environments, and close collaboration with families, schools and partner agencies.

Qualifications

• Hold, be working towards, or be willing to complete the Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England).
• Be committed to learning and developing within a therapeutic childcare environment.

Responsibilities

• Building strong, trusting relationships with children and young people.
• Creating warm, nurturing and structured home environments.
• Supporting education, health appointments, hobbies and activities.
• Using therapeutic and trauma-informed approaches, including PACE principles.
• Promoting emotional wellbeing and resilience.
• Helping children develop independence and confidence.
• Supporting children during challenging times with patience, empathy and consistency.
• Working with families, schools, social workers and partner agencies.
• Maintaining clear and accurate records.
• Contributing to team meetings, training and reflective practice.

Job description

Relief Residential Child Care Worker

Countywide Opportunities Across Derbyshire

Reference: JOB/26/03072

Salary Details

• £17.32 - £18.38 per hour (Monday-Sunday, 7am-7pm)
• £23.09 - £23.56 per hour (7pm-7am)
• £34.64 - £35.34 per hour (Bank Holidays)
• £35.91 sleep-in payment

Contract: Permanent Relief

Hours: 0-37 hours per week

Closing Date: Ongoing recruitment, with interviews held regularly across Derbyshire

Could You Be the Difference in a Child's Life?

Every child deserves a safe place to call home, trusted adults who believe in them and opportunities to thrive.

Across Derbyshire, our children's homes provide care, stability and support to children and young people who have experienced significant challenges in their lives. We are looking for compassionate, resilient and dedicated individuals to join our countywide relief team and help make a lasting difference.

As a Relief Residential Child Care Worker, no two days are ever the same. One day you could be supporting a young person with their education, helping them learn life skills, celebrating an achievement they never thought possible or simply being the trusted adult they turn to when things feel difficult.

It's not just about providing care. It's about building relationships, creating memories, encouraging aspirations and helping children develop the confidence they need to succeed.

This is more than a job. It's an opportunity to change lives.

About the Role

Working flexibly across Derbyshire's residential homes, you'll become part of a dedicated workforce committed to delivering outstanding care and support to children and young people.

You'll help create homes where children feel:

• Safe
• Valued
• Listened to
• Supported
• Encouraged to achieve their full potential

Your responsibilities will include:

• Building strong, trusting relationships with children and young people.
• Creating warm, nurturing and structured home environments.
• Supporting education, health appointments, hobbies and activities.
• Using therapeutic and trauma-informed approaches, including PACE principles.
• Promoting emotional wellbeing and resilience.
• Helping children develop independence and confidence.
• Supporting children during challenging times with patience, empathy and consistency.
• Working with families, schools, social workers and partner agencies.
• Maintaining clear and accurate records.
• Contributing to team meetings, training and reflective practice.

Who We're Looking For

We're interested in people with the right values, attitude and commitment.

Are you:

• Passionate about making a difference to children's lives?
• Caring, patient and compassionate?
• Resilient and able to stay calm under pressure?
• A positive role model for young people?
• Flexible and willing to work across different homes?
• A strong team player?
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children?

Experience in residential childcare is welcome but not essential.

We would love to hear from people with experience in care, education, youth work, health services, emergency services, community support, customer service or any role where building positive relationships is key.

Full training and support will be provided.

As men are currently under-represented within our residential teams, we particularly encourage male applicants to apply as part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Training and Qualifications

You must:

• Hold, be working towards, or be willing to complete the Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England).
• Be committed to learning and developing within a therapeutic childcare environment.

Why Join Derbyshire County Council?

We know our staff are our greatest asset, which is why we invest in their development, wellbeing and success.

We offer:

• Competitive pay and enhanced rates
• Sleep-in payments
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave
• Comprehensive induction programme
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Recognised qualifications
• Career progression opportunities
• Travel expenses
• Employee discounts and benefits scheme
• Occupational Health and counselling services
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Free parking at most locations
• Leisure centre discounts

Most importantly, you'll have the opportunity to be part of something genuinely meaningful and rewarding.

Safeguarding

Derbyshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Ready to Apply?

If you're looking for flexible work that is rewarding, meaningful and gives you the opportunity to positively influence a child's future, we'd love to hear from you.

Join our Residential Child Care Service and help transform children's lives, one relationship at a time.

Flexible work. Exceptional support. Life-changing impact.

Apply today and become part of a team that puts children at the heart of everything we do.

Important: Derbyshire County Council holds a sponsorship licence; however, this role does not offer visa sponsorship. Please only apply if you already have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values of being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable, helping us make a positive difference for Derbyshire's children, young people and communities.