Residential Care Worker

Virtual Hire Staffing; Colwich; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Virtual Hire Staffing is seeking a Residential Care Worker to provide high-quality, child-centred care in a therapeutic home for children aged 5-12. You will support emotional wellbeing, help with education, and maintain a safe, structured environment.

You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team, develop individual care plans, monitor progress, and participate in safeguarding and reviews. Evening and weekend shifts are required.

Qualifications

• Passion for working with children and young people.
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
• Ability to build positive relationships and manage challenging behaviour.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to work shifts, including evenings and weekends.
• Previous experience in residential childcare or a similar setting.

Responsibilities

• Support the home’s Statement of Purpose and therapeutic care model.
• Create a safe, nurturing environment that promotes emotional wellbeing.
• Build positive relationships to support attachment and development.
• Act as a positive role model and promote social skills.
• Implement individual care plans and contribute to reviews.
• Maintain boundaries to provide safety and stability.
• Promote self-esteem, identity and sense of belonging.
• Observe, monitor and record children’s progress.
• Safeguard children by identifying concerns and responding appropriately.
• Support education, homework and school engagement.
• Encourage participation in activities for development and wellbeing.
• Work with psychologists and external agencies to support outcomes.
• Attend care planning meetings and reviews.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and professionals.
• Follow health and safety policies at all times.
• Participate in supervision and ongoing training.

Skills

Passion for children

Safeguarding knowledge

Teamwork

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent

Job description

We also have opportunities available for Shift Leads and Senior Care roles.

Our client provides a therapeutic residential service focused on achieving long-term positive outcomes for children through a specialist "Prep4Fostering" model. This service supports children who are currently in residential care or experiencing foster placement instability, helping them transition successfully into a family environment.

As a Residential Care Worker, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality, child-centred care within a safe, nurturing, and structured setting.

You will support children to explore their emotions, build resilience, and develop the skills needed to integrate into a stable family placement.The home supports children aged 5-12 years and offers a structured, therapeutic environment with full training and ongoing professional support.

Key Responsibilities

Support the delivery of the home’s Statement of Purpose and therapeutic care model.

Create a safe, nurturing, and homely environment that promotes emotional wellbeing.

Build positive, trusting relationships with children to support attachment and development.

Act as a positive role model, encouraging appropriate behaviour and social skills.

Implement individual care plans and contribute to their ongoing review.

Maintain consistent boundaries to provide safety and stability.

Promote children’s self-esteem, identity, and sense of belonging.

Observe, monitor, and record children’s behaviours and progress.

Safeguard children by identifying and responding to any concerns appropriately.

Support children’s education, including homework and school engagement.

Encourage participation in activities that promote development and wellbeing.

Therapeutic and Multi-Agency Working

Work collaboratively with psychologists and clinical professionals to support therapeutic outcomes.

Liaise effectively with external agencies, including schools and social workers.

Participate in care planning meetings and reviews.

Support children in preparing for and transitioning into foster placements.

Engage with prospective carers to aid successful integration into family settings.

Teamwork and Communication

Work as part of a supportive staff team, contributing to a positive working environment.

Attend and participate in team meetings and supervision sessions.

Communicate effectively with colleagues and professionals.

Act flexibly to meet the needs of the service and children.

Household Responsibilities

Contribute to maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming home environment.

Participate in daily household tasks and routines.

Take responsibility for the care of the home, including equipment and resources.

Follow health and safety policies and procedures at all times.

Personal and Professional Development

Engage in ongoing training and development opportunities.

Attend supervision, team meetings, and clinical sessions.

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices in residential childcare.

Adhere to safeguarding, equality, and whistleblowing policies.

Person Specification

Passion for working with children and young people.

Understanding of safeguarding and child protection.

Ability to build positive relationships and manage challenging behaviour.

Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Willingness to work shifts, including evenings and weekends.

Previous experience in residential childcare or a similar setting.

Relevant qualification (e.g. Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent).

Understanding of trauma-informed or therapeutic care approaches.

Additional Information

Full training and ongoing support will be provided.

Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is essential.

The role requires flexibility to meet the needs of the children and service.