Residential Workers

Durham County Council; Spennymoor; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Durham County Council is seeking Residential Workers to join across County Durham, supporting children and young people in various homes. Roles include full-time, part-time (evenings/weekends) and casual shifts with opportunities to indicate preferred locations at interview.

Applicants should be aged 22+, hold GCSEs in maths and English, and work towards a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare. Driving licence is required, and enhanced DBS checks apply.

Qualifications

• GCSEs in Maths and English at grade A-C or equivalent.
• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare required or willing to complete.
• Experience with children or young people.
• Strong interpersonal skills and be a positive role model.
• Flexible approach to work.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day care and emotional support.
• Support children with school, appointments, and hobbies.
• Work with families and professionals to promote stability and resilience.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Flexible

Driving licence

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

GCSE Maths & English (A-C)

Job description

Residential Workers - Opportunities are available across the County Durham Area

Salary:£31,015 - £34,811 (starting salary within the grade range will consider experience relevant to the post, if required for external candidates). This post is paid enhancements, this can equate to an additional earning potential of up to £5,000 on top of the basic salary.

We are recruiting Residential Workers for children’s homes across County Durham, including mainstream, short-break, long-break, 16–17-year-old provision, and planned respite care services.

Contract options: full-time, part-time (primarily evenings/weekends), and casual roles available. At interview, you can indicate preferred locations and contract types for consideration.

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.

THE ROLE

As a Residential Worker, you will help create safe, supportive homes where children and young people can thrive and are aspirational for their futures. You will be at the heart of this mission by:

• Providing day-to-day care and emotional support
• Supporting our children and young people with school, appointments, and hobbies
• Working closely with families and professionals to promote stability and resilience

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

The role can be challenging and requires dedication and resolve however, the personal rewards are immense. We are looking for child centred and emotionally resilient individuals who have:

• GCSE Grade A – C in Maths and English or a qualification that is equivalent or higher
• Hold or have a willingness to complete a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare
• Experience working with children or young people (voluntary or professional capacity)
• Strong interpersonal skills and can be a positive role model for our children and young people
• A flexible approach to work

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).

All applicants must be aged 22+, an Enhanced DBS Disclosure is applicable to this post.

Our committment 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

The role will involve working a range of shifts including weekdays, evenings, weekends and sleep in duties. 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.

READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

We would encourage you to contact us to arrange a discussion via [e-mail] to find out more about the wide ranging opportunities we have available.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews are anticipated to be held w/c 2 November 2026.

REMOVAL AND LODGINGS

Removal, lodging and separation expenses may be available to the successful candidate if at the time of application for appointment their place of residence is outside the administrative area of County Durham and more than 30 miles in a straight line from their new administrative centre, along with several other criteria for eligibility.

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 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 £30,024 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.

If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email [e-mail]. All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from [e-mail]. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.