Residential Childrens Worker (Spring Cottage)

Derbyshire County Council; Buxton; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous annual leave

Induction and ongoing training

Travel expenses

Free parking

Job summary

Derbyshire County Council’s Spring Cottage seeks a Residential Children’s Worker to provide 24‑hour care, foster strong, trusting relationships with children and young people, and support education, routines and emotional wellbeing. You will join a small team, working a shift rota including day, sleep-in and weekends.

We value resilience, empathy, and a team‑oriented approach; training and DBS checks are provided to succeed in a challenging but rewarding role within a supportive council

Qualifications

• Requires Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England) or willingness to complete; equivalent qualifications considered.

Responsibilities

• Build strong, trusting relationships with children and young people.
• Create a safe, homely, and structured environment.
• Support children with education, routines, activities, and emotional wellbeing.
• Remain calm, consistent, and compassionate in challenging situations.
• Work in line with Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.
• Complete accurate recording and care documentation.
• Collaborate with schools, social workers, health professionals and partner agencies.
• Attend team meetings, handovers, training and reflective practice.

Skills

Resilient

Empathetic

Team player

Organised

Calm under pressure

Trauma-informed approach

Education

Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England)

Job description

Residential Children's Worker

Make a Real Difference - Every Single Day

Are you energetic, empathetic, resilient, and passionate about helping children thrive?

If so, we'd love to hear from you.

We are looking for Residential Children's Workers to join our dedicated team at Spring Cottage, where relationships, stability, and therapeutic care sit at the heart of everything we do.

This is more than a job - it's an opportunity to be part of a supportive, skilled team that provides safe, nurturing, and life-changing care to children and young people with emotional and social needs.

About the Role

As a Residential Children's Worker, you will play a vital role in creating a home where children feel safe, valued, and understood. You will work as part of a small, committed team providing 24-hour care through a shift-based rota, including:

Shift pattern: 10am start, sleep in, 11am finish following day

Regular weekend and bank holiday working

Your responsibilities will include:

• Building strong, trusting relationships with children and young people
• Creating a safe, homely, and structured environment
• Using the PACE approach (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy) in daily practice
• Supporting children with education, routines, activities, and emotional wellbeing
• Remaining calm, consistent, and compassionate during challenging situations
• Working in line with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards
• Completing accurate recording and care documentation
• Working collaboratively with schools, social workers, health professionals, and partner agencies
• Actively attending and participating in team meetings, handovers, training, and reflective practice

Pay & Enhancements

Grade 9 - Hourly Rates

Monday-Sunday (7:00am-7:00pm)

£17.32 - £18.38 per hour

Evenings (7:00pm-7:00am)

£23.09 - £23.56 per hour

Bank Holidays (all hours)

£34.64 - £35.34 per hour

Sleep In Payments

Sleep-in duty payment: £35.91 per sleep-in

Any additional time worked if called upon during a sleep-in will be paid at the appropriate hourly rate, depending on the time and day.

Bank Holidays: Sleep-in duties that span into or out of a Bank Holiday will be enhanced to double the basic duty payment rate.

Who We're Looking For

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

Are you:

• Resilient and able to work calmly in emotionally demanding situations
• Empathetic and child-focused, with a natural caring approach
• Motivated and reliable, bringing positive energy to the team
• Organised, valuing routines and accurate recording
• Therapeutic in your approach, or keen to learn trauma-informed practice
• A team player, able to work collaboratively with colleagues and professionals

Previous experience in residential childcare is beneficial but not essential - full training and support will be provided.

As men are currently under-represented within our care teams, we particularly encourage male applicants to apply, in line with our commitment to equality and diversity.

Qualifications

• You must hold, be working towards, or be willing to complete:
• Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England)
• Equivalent qualifications will be considered, with additional training completed if required.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay with generous unsocial hours and bank holiday enhancements
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training
• Regular supervision and supportive management
• Opportunities for qualifications and career progression
• Travel expenses
• Free parking at most sites
• Leisure centre discounts
• Occupational Health and in-house counselling services
• Physiotherapy support
• Cycle to Work scheme
• A fantastic location with easy access to cities and the Peak District National Park

Safeguarding

Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided. Click here to see our policy on criminal background checks.

Provisional Interview Date

week commencing 2 nd November 2026

Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided. Click here to see our policy on criminal background checks.

The job may require unsocial hours working including weekends and Bank Holidays. Payment arrangements will be detailed in any contract offer made.

Saturday and Sunday hours will be paid at plain time where it is part of your normal working pattern unless it is between 7pm and 7am, where enhanced rates of pay apply. Enhanced pay rates are paid for Bank Holiday working.

CS1

Important

Derbyshire County Council holds a sponsorship licence, but this role does not offer visa sponsorship. Please apply only if you already have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship, as applications that do not meet this requirement will be rejected.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values - being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.