At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in a therapeutic home environment, providing care and emotional support.
- Company: Join the City of Doncaster Council's dedicated residential care team.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and a £250 referral bonus.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in vulnerable children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with children is essential; Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare required.
- Other info: Flexible hours with regular weekends off and opportunities for career progression.
The predicted salary is between 27259 - 29955 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to join Doncaster Council's residential care team in a rewarding role where your impact can genuinely change lives. As a Residential Care Officer, you will support children and young people in a structured, therapeutic home environment. Whether you are experienced in residential care or bringing transferable skills from other settings, we are looking for dedicated individuals with the passion and resilience to support vulnerable children through trauma, challenge, and change.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide consistent, high-quality care and emotional support to children and young people
- Build positive, trusting relationships and act as a reliable adult role model
- Support daily routines, education, and development of life skills
- Contribute to care planning, record-keeping, and multi-agency meetings
- Promote safeguarding, well-being, and inclusive, trauma-informed practice
- Carry out household tasks and work flexibly within a rota, including sleep-ins and weekends
Experience & Knowledge
- Experience working with children or young people, paid or voluntary (essential)
- Experience in children's residential care (desirable)
- Awareness of safeguarding, trauma-informed care, and the needs of looked-after children
- Ability to manage behaviour in line with training and support offered (e.g., Therapeutic Crisis Intervention)
- Understanding of the Children's Homes Regulations and Statement of Purpose
Skills & Competencies
- Genuine passion for working with children and young people
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Resilience and emotional maturity to handle challenging behaviours
- Ability to advocate for children and demonstrate strong parenting values
- Willingness to work flexibly and as part of a team
- Practical household and life skills, including cooking and activity planning
- Commitment to reflective practice and continuous improvement
Additional Requirements
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or willingness to complete within 2 years – mandatory)
- Level 2 (or willingness to achieve) in Maths and English if not already held
- Commitment to attend Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) training
- Enhanced DBS check required
- Ability to meet the physical and travel demands of the role (with reasonable adjustments if necessary)
- Flexibility to work beyond normal hours in times of crisis
- Willingness to undertake further qualifications – including potential to progress to Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management following completion of Level 3
Why Join Us?
- Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people
- Join a supportive and experienced residential care team
- Access full training, reflective supervision, and career development
- Enjoy competitive benefits, generous leave, and pension contributions
- Work in a rota that prioritises work-life balance with regular weekends off
Contact Detail:
Service Care Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Care Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Residential Care Officer. Understanding how to build positive relationships and provide emotional support will help you demonstrate your suitability during any informal discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the residential care sector. Attend local events or join online forums where you can connect with current employees or others in similar roles. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for working with children and young people in conversations. Share personal experiences or volunteer work that highlights your commitment and understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable children.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to handling challenging behaviours. Familiarise yourself with techniques like Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, as being able to articulate your strategies will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Care Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and requirements of a Residential Care Officer. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any experience you have working with children or young people, whether paid or voluntary. Mention specific skills that align with the role, such as communication, resilience, and ability to manage challenging behaviours.
Show Your Passion: Express your genuine passion for working with vulnerable children in your application. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact in their lives.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions
✨Show Your Passion for Care
Make sure to express your genuine passion for working with children and young people. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Safeguarding
Familiarise yourself with safeguarding practices and trauma-informed care. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle challenging behaviours and support vulnerable children through difficult times.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Whether it's paid or voluntary, be ready to talk about your experience working with children or young people. If you have experience in residential care, make sure to emphasise this as it’s highly desirable for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would respond to specific situations involving children in care, showcasing your problem-solving skills and ability to advocate for their needs.