Residential Care Worker

Priority Recruitment; Melksham; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Joining bonus £1,000

Sleep-in rate £65 per sleep-in

Permanent full-time position

Training & development opportunities

Job summary

Priority Recruitment is hiring a Residential Care Worker in Melksham, Wiltshire. The role involves supporting children and young people aged 8–17 in a 4‑bedroom residential home, with daily routines, education support and safeguarding duties.

A Level 3 qualification and a full UK driving licence are preferred, with a £1,000 joining bonus and sleep-in considerations. The position is full-time and permanent, offering 160 hours per month and enhanced overtime rates; shift pattern includes sleep-ins

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with children or young people
• Minimum 12 months' UK experience
• Full driving licence essential
• Level 3 qualification in Children’s and Young People’s Workforce desirable
• Good understanding of safeguarding and child protection

Responsibilities

• Support children and young people with daily routines and activities
• Provide emotional support and positive encouragement
• Build trusting relationships and act as a consistent role model
• Support education, social development and life skills
• Encourage participation in activities and community outings
• Support behaviour using appropriate strategies and safeguarding procedures
• Record observations, progress and concerns
• Work closely with colleagues and external professionals
• Maintain a safe and supportive residential environment

Skills

Compassionate

Dependable

Strong communication

Teamwork

Flexible shifts

Education

Level 3 qualification in Children and Young People’s Workforce

Full driving licence

Job description

Job Title: Residential Care Worker

Location: Melksham, Wiltshire, SN12

Pay Rate: £13.85 per hour / £14.40 per hour with Level 3 qualification

Joining Bonus: £1,000

Job Type: Full-Time - Permanent

Shift and Schedule: 160 hours per month (average 40 hours per week), including sleep-ins

Sleep-In Rate: £65 per sleep-in

Overtime: Enhanced rate

Setting: 4-bedroom children's residential home

Client Group: Children and young people aged 8–17 with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD)

Priority Recruitment are excited to present this fantastic Residential Care Worker opportunity in Melksham, Wiltshire.

This is a rewarding opportunity to support children and young people within a residential care setting, providing the stability, encouragement and emotional support they need to thrive.

We are looking for compassionate and dependable individuals who are passionate about supporting young people, building trusting relationships and helping them develop confidence and independence.

Salary & Benefits:

• £13.85 per hour
• £14.40 per hour for candidates holding a relevant Level 3 qualification
• £1,000 joining bonus
• £65 per sleep-in
• Enhanced overtime rate
• Permanent full-time position
• 160 contracted hours per month
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

Company and Role:

• Supporting children and young people aged 8–17 in a residential care setting
• Providing person-centred care and emotional support
• Supporting young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties
• Creating a safe, nurturing and structured home environment
• Encouraging independence, confidence and personal development

Day-to-day responsibilities include:

• Supporting children and young people with daily routines and activities
• Providing emotional support and positive encouragement
• Building trusting relationships and acting as a consistent role model
• Supporting education, social development and life skills
• Encouraging participation in activities and community outings
• Supporting behaviour using appropriate strategies and therapeutic approaches
• Following individual care plans and safeguarding procedures
• Recording observations, progress and any concerns
• Working closely with colleagues and external professionals
• Maintaining a safe and supportive residential environment

Household responsibilities include:

• Supporting with cooking, cleaning and general household routines
• Promoting healthy lifestyles and balanced meals
• Maintaining a clean, safe and welcoming environment
• Encouraging young people to develop practical independence skills

Successful Candidate:

• Previous experience working with children or young people
• Minimum 12 months' relevant UK experience
• Full driving licence essential
• Level 3 qualification in Children's and Young People's Workforce desirable
• Good understanding of safeguarding and child protection
• Calm, resilient and patient approach
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to build meaningful relationships with young people
• Flexible to work shifts, including sleep-ins and weekends
• Willingness to complete training and develop professionally

Some of our roles require drivers and/or male or female employees only. Where indicated, this is a genuine occupational requirement in accordance with the Equality Act 2010