Trainee Children's Residential Care Worker

YMCA Robin Hood Group; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused care organization in Nottingham is seeking a passionate Trainee Residential Care Worker to support children and young people in a nurturing environment. The role involves a 12-month training program, providing daily support, maintaining safety, and creating strong bonds with the children. Candidates should possess resilience, a calm demeanor, and a UK driver's license. The position offers career progression opportunities and comprehensive training.

Benefits

Funded training and qualifications

Wellbeing package including GP access

Minimum of 23 days annual leave

Discounted YMCA childcare

£500 refer-a-friend bonus

10% discount at YMCA Café

Qualifications

• Must have an enhanced DBS check for child safety.
• Full UK driver's license is essential.
• Resilient and calm demeanor to support children.

Responsibilities

• Undertake a 12-month training program to support children.
• Provide parental-level care, including school runs.
• Keep clear, up-to-date records of children's needs.

Skills

Resilience

Calmness

Caring attitude

Confidence

Driver's License

Job description

Overview

Start your journey as a Trainee Residential Care Worker and play a vital role in creating a safe, supportive, and nurturing home for children and young people. At YMCA Robin Hood Group, we provide warm, loving homes across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire where looked-after children receive the therapeutic care they need to heal and thrive. As a not-for-profit organisation, children are always our priority. Our unique, psychologically-informed care model sets us apart, putting their well-being before profit every time.

By supporting the children with everything they might need connected to their personal care, cooking and cleaning in the home, driving the children to school, helping with home work, through to management of medication and attending health appointments with them – you will be there for them 24/7.

We’ll also invest in you – we know starting a career is difficult when every role asks for experience which is why this role is different. We are looking for someone passionate about children, who wants to gain experience of working in residential care, to start a career with us where we can give you the pathway to promotion and development within a structured, supportive and caring team.

Role

As our new Trainee Children’s Residential Care Worker, you will:

• Undertake a 12 month training and development programme, to learn everything you need to know, to become a key member of our team
• Provide a level of care as a parent would; help with school runs, bedtime routine and early morning fun and games
• Provide calm, reassuring care
• Support the team to help keep the house clean, cosy, and running smoothly
• Get to know the kids – what they like, what they need, and how to support them
• Follow our therapeutic model to help them stay calm and feel safe during dysregulated moments
• Keep clear, up-to-date records
• Ensure the safety, security and most importantly, the well-being of our children is maintained every day
• Be a team player creating a great working environment within the home
• Prioritise your continual development and be open to learning new things

At the end of your 12 month Trainee role, we hope we will have ignited your passion and given you the confidence and skills to apply for a Children’s Residential Care Worker role and continue your career with us where you can undertake your Diploma in Residential Care and even be a Registered Manager of the future!

What You’ll Need to Be Successful

• Resilient – You won’t give up on a child, even on their toughest days
• Calm and consistent – You’ll use our training to understand and respond to challenging behaviours
• Caring – You’ll listen, show up, and help children build trust and secure attachments
• Confident – You’ll handle challenges, advocate for children, and be their voice
• Working pattern – You’ll work a fixed two week rota, which will allow you a work life balance, with the opportunity to pick up overtime if desired
• A driver – A full UK licence is essential to use our home’s automatic car for school runs and activities
• Safe to work with children – An enhanced DBS with child barred list check is required

Our North Star

Everything we do is inspired by our ambition that every child and young person we support:

• Buil ds the relationships that help them discover who they are
• Develops the skills and confidence to shape their own life
• Learns how to connect with and contribute to the world around them

You will play a vital role in achieving this mission.

What We Value

We’re driven by our core values and we look for these in every member of our team:

• We Seek Out – We’re always looking for ways to do better
• We Welcome – We include, respect, and support everyone
• We Inspire – We believe in every person’s potential
• We Speak Out – We advocate for what’s right
• We Serve Others – We act with compassion and purpose

These values are more than just words—they shape how we work, lead, and serve.

Our Benefits

We value your commitment and relentless dedication and have crafted a package of health & wellbeing benefits. Here’s some of what you can expect:

• Funded training, qualifications & career progression across YMCA services
• Quarterly Campfires – celebrating our impact across the organisation
• Wellbeing package (after passing probation): 24/7 GP access, health/dental cashback, Employment Assistance Programme
• Minimum of 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing to 28 days with service
• Discounted YMCA childcare & holiday clubs
• £500 refer-a-friend bonus
• Blue Light Card eligibility + 10% discount at YMCA Café and Malt Cross

Diversity & Safer Recruitment

YMCA Robin Hood Group is committed to equal opportunities, promoting diversity, and creating an inclusive culture where all staff can thrive.

Should you require any adjustments to support your full participation in our recruitment process, we would encourage you to share your needs with us so we can support you with your requirements. Please contact [e-mail] in the first instance.

We follow rigorous safer recruitment processes to ensure the protection of children, young people, and adults at risk. All applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS checks, reference checks, and thorough vetting as part of our commitment to safeguarding.

What Happens Next?

We reserve the right to close the position earlier than advertised if required. Due to the large number of applications we receive, we will be unable to provide specific feedback on why you may not have been shortlisted. For an informal conversation before applying, please reach out to our recruitment team – [e-mail].

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