Residential Support Workers

Durham County Council; North East; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive induction

Sector-Based Academy Programme

Career progression

Job summary

Durham County Council is offering a 12-month development opportunity for Residential Support Workers in our Children’s Homes Service. You will gain experience, provide care and engage in activities to meet the day-to-day needs of our children and young people.

You will learn to work in a multi-agency team to safeguard and support effectively, complete Sector-Based Academy Programme, and progress towards Level 3 Diploma. A DBS enhanced disclosure is required and a valid driving licence is needed.

Qualifications

• Sector-Based Academy Programme completed within required timescales.
• Achieving Level 2 Maths and English qualifications (if not already held).
• Working towards a Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare upon progression.
• Minimum age 22 years old to apply.
• Enhanced DBS disclosure required.
• Current driving licence and access to a car.

Responsibilities

• Provide care and support in children’s homes.
• Engage in activities and build positive relationships with children and young people.
• Work as part of a multi-agency team to safeguard and support effectively.

Skills

Positive role model

Resilience

Team player

Education

Level 2 Maths and English

Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Sector-Based Academy Programme

Tools

Driving licence

Job description

Residential Support Workers – 12 Month development opportunity (Temporary).

Salary: £27,274 - £29,542 plus enhancements which include time and a third for unsociable hours and overtime.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of children and young people? We are offering an exciting 12-month development opportunity within our Children’s Homes Service.

This role is designed to help you gain valuable experience, build skills, and develop knowledge by working directly in our children’s homes. You will provide care and support, engage in activities, and build positive relationships to meet the day-to-day needs of our children and young people. You will also learn how to work as part of a multi-agency team to safeguard and support children and young people effectively.

OUR VALUES

Our service is built on the ‘Durham’ values – Dignity, Unity, Responsibility, Heart, Aspiration, and Mindset which are at the heart of everything we do for both our young people and our teams.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

We are seeking child-centred practitioners who can be positive role models and demonstrate resilience. You must be committed to:

Completing the Sector-Based Academy Programme within required timescales.

Achieving Level 2 Maths and English qualifications (if not already held).

Working towards a Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare upon progression. In accordance with Durham County Council’s requirements, candidates must be a minimum of 22 years of age or above to apply.

The successful applicant for this post will be required to apply for a Disclosure & Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.

Applicants must hold a current driving licence and have access to a car (employees with a disability must have access to a means of mobility support).

OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING

Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Children’s Barred List, due to the position working in regulated activity.

Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation and will confirm whether an individual is barred from working with children.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

• A comprehensive induction and significant training opportunities.
• Completion of a Sector-Based Academy Programme as part of your development.
• A clear career pathway, with the aim of supporting you to feel ready to apply to the next level of position as a Residential Worker.

The role will involve working a range of shifts including weekdays, evenings, weekends and sleep in duties as approved. The nature of shift patterns enables a level of flexibility for employees. We operate a 365 days per year, 24 hours a day service. As part of this, our shift-based roles work on a rota basis and attract enhanced payments.

You will benefit from a comprehensive programme of training to support you to develop in your role. As well as access to a wide ranging rewards and benefits offer, take a closer look via Rewards and Benefits.

If you would like any additional information on the posts or have any queries, please contact us to arrange a discuss via [e-mail].

INTERVIEWS

It is anticipated that interviews will be held week commencing 5 October 2026.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

In accordance with Durham County Council’s requirements, candidates must be a minimum of 22 years of age or above to apply. The successful applicant for this post will be required to apply for a Disclosure & Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.

RIGHT TO WORK AND VISA INFORMATION

All offers of employment are subject to the council meeting its legal obligations under UK immigration law. Applicants must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK at the point an offer is made.

This post is remunerated at £27,274 per annum. UK immigration rules set minimum salary and other eligibility requirements for visa sponsorship. It is unlikely that this role will be eligible for skilled worker visa sponsorship. Whether an applicant meets these requirements depends on their individual circumstances, including any existing permission to work. Applicants who may require a visa are encouraged to check the current UKVI rules before applying.

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