Residential Care Officer Level 2

Lincolnshire County Council; Sleaford; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Sleaford is seeking a passionate Children’s Residential Carer (Level 2) to supervise and lead shifts, mentor staff, and develop projects with children. The role offers a competitive salary between £32,597 and £35,412 plus additional payments, and a supportive work environment focused on high-quality care. Opportunities for career progression and an excellent benefits package are included. Ideal candidates will have a Level 3 QCF qualification and a strong commitment to nurturing young people.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Local government pension scheme

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible working hours

Generous annual leave

Qualifications

• Passionate about care and committed to helping children and young people grow.
• Ability to supervise staff and lead shifts.
• Experience in producing reports and maintaining accurate records.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and lead shifts effectively.
• Develop projects and direct work with children.
• Chair professional meetings and manage household tasks.

Skills

Leadership

Relationship building

Mentoring

IT skills

Education

Level 3 QCF qualification in working with children

Job description

Are you ready to take the next step in your career?

We’re looking for a passionate and experienced individual to join our dedicated team at Eastgate in Sleaford as a Children’s Residential Carer (Level 2).

If you have a background in working with children and experience leading a team, this is your opportunity to grow within a supportive and progressive environment. Our homes are committed to providing high‑quality, nurturing care that helps young people thrive.

About the Role

As a Level 2 Children’s Residential Carer (known locally as Residential Care Officer Level 2) your responsibilities will include:

• Supervision and Shift Leading
• Developing projects and direct work with children
• Mentoring new staff and leading practice areas
• Chairing professional meetings
• Managing household tasks and preparing young people for independent living.

Building and maintaining resilient relationships with stakeholders is also an important part of this role.

Compensation and Work Hours

Salary: £32,597 – £35,412 plus a sleeping‑in payment of £41.78 and mileage reimbursed at £0.45 per mile. Overtime paid at time‑and‑a‑half. This may allow you to earn an extra £5,000 – £10,000 on top of your annual salary.

Shift Pattern: Full time, permanent. Rota split between different shifts; some include sleeping at the home. Rotas are given in advance to ensure a good work/life balance.

Our Home

Eastgate (Sleaford) – We are proud to offer a rewarding RCO2 opportunity at Eastgate Children’s Home where every day brings the chance to make a real difference in the lives of our children.

As an RCO 2, you will play a key role in delivering high‑quality, child‑centred care, supporting children as they move towards greater independence, and leading and supporting your team during shifts.

Eastgate prides itself on being a welcoming and inclusive environment committed to nurturing both the development of our team and the wellbeing of the children in our care. We value teamwork, respect, and compassion.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about care and deeply committed to helping our children and young people grow socially and emotionally.
• Is willing to develop themselves and undertake a Level 3 QCF qualification in working with children in residential childcare or has a relevant Level 3 QCF qualification.
• Has the ability to be a key worker, supervise staff, lead shifts and work under pressure.
• Can produce reports and maintain accurate records and has IT skills and experience.

A driving licence is desirable but negotiable.

Our Offer

We are offering a competitive salary with an excellent local government pension scheme, a comprehensive benefits package, career progression opportunities and a generous annual leave entitlement.

Benefits include:

• High‑quality induction and ongoing training and development.
• Trauma training and therapeutic support.
• Strong Leadership Team support.
• “Green book” Local Government terms and conditions.
• Access to Local Government Pension scheme (contribution rate approx. 24%).
• Comprehensive benefits package including salary sacrifice for cars, cycles, plus excellent discount schemes.
• 37‑hour working week including flexible and hybrid working.
• Generous leave entitlement with a minimum of 25 days plus bank holidays and the option to buy more.
• Free financial wellbeing advice.

More information about our homes is available in the attached brochure and you can find out more about the benefits of working for Lincolnshire County Council here: Rewards and benefits – Lincolnshire County Council.

Lincolnshire County Council Children’s Services have an overall Outstanding rating from Ofsted.

Contact

If you would like an open and informal discussion regarding this vacancy please email: [e-mail].

Applications close on 4th January 2026.

Interviews will be arranged on a flexible basis with candidates who have evidenced in their application that they meet the essential criteria for the role. Interviews may take place before the closing date.

Equal Opportunities

Lincolnshire County Council are committed to being an equal opportunity employer, encourage a supportive and inclusive culture and have been accredited as a Disability Confident Employer. It is current policy to not shortlist candidates more than once within a 4‑month period who have previously applied for a Residential Care post of the same grade within that period.

Please be advised that this position will be subject to a criminal record check. All candidates are advised to read the attached job information pack prior to making an application.

Safeguarding and Compliance

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.