Residential Childcare Worker

Caretech; West Carr; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sleep-in enhancements

Wellbeing support

Paid annual leave

Workplace pension

Job summary

Caretech is seeking a Residential Support Worker to help 11–18 year olds who have experienced trauma thrive in a therapeutic care home. You will provide daily care, emotional support, and help build routines that foster safety and healing.

You’ll work closely with multidisciplinary teams, contribute to care planning, and participate in shifts including sleep-ins and weekends. A compassionate, resilient candidate with safeguarding knowledge will fit well.

Qualifications

• Experience with vulnerable children or young people in care, education, or youth work.
• Understanding safeguarding and child protection for trauma-affected youths.
• Emotional resilience and ability to stay calm under pressure.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexible, proactive attitude to hours and responsibilities.
• Ability to work in a team and independently.
• Commitment to personal and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care and emotional support to children aged 11–18.
• Build trusting, trauma-informed relationships.
• Manage challenging behaviours with empathy and consistency.
• Support educational, social and recreational activities.
• Administer medication per care plans and maintain records.
• Collaborate with social workers, therapists and safeguarding teams.
• Contribute to care planning and attend reviews.
• Work on a shift rota including sleep-ins and weekends.

Skills

Compassionate

Resilient

Empathetic communicator

Team player

Patience

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

UK driving licence

Tools

UK driving licence

Job description

Are you a compassionate, resilient individual with a genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people? Do you want to make a tangible difference in the lives of children affected by trauma and exploitation? If so, this could be the role for you. We are seeking a dedicated Residential Support Worker to join our dynamic team in a therapeutic, supportive residential care home. This is more than just a job - it's a calling. As a member of our team, you will play a vital role in creating a safe, nurturing environment where young people can begin to heal, build trusting relationships, and regain control over their lives.

About the Role

Working as a Residential Support Worker, you will support children aged 11-18 who have experienced significant trauma, often including abuse, exploitation, neglect, and disrupted family life. You'll work closely with each young person, helping them develop life skills, confidence, and emotional resilience.

• Providing daily care and emotional support, ensuring each child feels safe, valued, and heard.
• Building trusting, therapeutic relationships with young people using trauma-informed and child-centred approaches.
• Managing challenging behaviours with empathy, understanding, and consistency, always putting the child's needs first.
• Supporting young people with educational, social, and recreational activities, encouraging positive routines and healthy lifestyles.
• Administering medication, following care plans, and keeping detailed records.
• Working in partnership with social workers, therapists, education providers, and safeguarding teams to ensure the best outcomes.
• Contributing to care planning, attending reviews, and playing a key role in a multi-disciplinary support team.
• Participating in a shift rota, including sleep-ins and weekend working.

This role can be emotionally demanding, but it is also incredibly rewarding. You will be part of a supportive and experienced team, receiving excellent training and supervision to help you grow in your career.

Essential

• Experience working with vulnerable children or young people (in residential care, education, youth work, or similar).
• A sound understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and the challenges faced by young people affected by trauma or exploitation.
• Emotional resilience, patience, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A flexible and proactive attitude to working hours and responsibilities.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team and on your own.
• A commitment to personal and professional development.

Desirable

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) - or willingness to work towards this.
• Previous experience supporting children affected by CSE, sexual abuse, or complex trauma.
• A full UK driving licence is preferred (some homes require driving to facilitate outings and appointments). Comprehensive induction and ongoing training, including trauma-informed practice, safeguarding, and de-escalation techniques.
• Support to achieve your Level 3 Diploma if you don't already have it.
• Regular supervision and clinical support to help process challenging experiences.
• Career progression opportunities - we promote from within and support your growth.
• A warm, inclusive team environment where staff are respected and appreciated.
• Access to wellbeing support, including counselling services and mental health resources.
• Paid annual leave and workplace pension.

Who We Are

We are a specialist provider of therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced severe trauma and abuse, particularly those affected by sexual exploitation. Our homes are designed to provide stability, protection, and intensive support in a family-style environment. Every decision we make is rooted in what is best for the young people in our care. Our approach is trauma-informed, relational, and rooted in respect, compassion, and safety. We believe every child has the right to heal, grow, and have a future free from harm.

We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where all staff and young people are valued and respected.

• A competitive salary with enhancements for sleep-in shifts.