Job Title: Residential Child Care Worker
Location: Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6
Salary: £26,670 - £35,210 per annum, £55 per sleep-in
Employment Type: Full-time
Job Description
We are seeking a dedicated Residential Child Care Worker to join our team in Fordingbridge, Hampshire. This role offers an exciting opportunity to support children who have experienced trauma within a nurturing, family-like environment. Our organisation specialises in providing therapeutic care using approaches such as PACE and DDP, ensuring children build trust and resilience.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing tailored emotional and practical care to meet each child's individual needs
- Building trusting, therapeutic relationships and acting as a positive role model
- Supporting school runs, extracurricular activities, and family contact using our home vehicles
- Planning and facilitating recreational and educational activities to promote development and independence
- Supporting children to achieve personal developmental milestones
- Carrying out household duties, including cooking, cleaning, and maintaining a warm, welcoming environment
- Completing daily records, logs, and health and safety checks
- Collaborating with social workers, educators, and other professionals
- Working 24-hour shift patterns, including weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-ins (22:30 to 07:30)
Requirements & Qualifications
- Aged 21 or over
- Full, clean UK driving licence (home vehicles are used for transport)
- Compassionate, patient, and resilient nature with the ability to bring warmth and calm in challenging situations
- Flexibility and reliability to work shifts including weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-ins
- A genuine commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
- Good communication skills and the ability to maintain accurate records
- Right to work in the UK (sponsorship not available)
Desirable (but not essential)
- Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare, Health and Social Care, or equivalent
- Experience working with children with complex emotional or behavioural needs
- Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches such as PACE or DDP
- Experience in a supervisory or senior role
Benefits & Work Environment
- Competitive salary with regular pay reviews
- £55 per sleep-in, paid in addition to salary
- Fully funded Enhanced DBS check
- Home vehicles provided for transport
- Meals provided while on shift
- Free on-site parking at all locations
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering 24/7 support
- Company pension scheme with 3% employer contribution
- 28 days' annual leave, including bank holidays
- Access to training and development, including funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare and progression opportunities
- Supportive team environment with regular supervision and training
We are an equal opportunities employer, making decisions based on merit.