At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in their daily routines and emotional wellbeing while building trusting relationships.
- Company: Join Catholic Care, a values-led charity making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive training, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Be part of an exciting new journey with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Help shape a nurturing home for children and make a lasting impact from day one.
- Qualifications: A genuine passion for supporting children and a willingness to learn and grow.
The predicted salary is between 29113 - 30565 € per year.
Please note - we ask candidates to apply via our website www.catholic-care.org.uk and not LinkedIn.
This is more than a job. This is a chance to be part of something from the very start. At Steps for Tomorrow, we are opening a new children’s home and we are looking for Residential Support Workers to join us on that journey. We believe children don’t move through services, they move through life. Our role is to make that journey safer, stronger and full of possibility.
Salary Range: £29,113–£30,565 plus sleep ins
Location: Wakefield
Closing Date: 22nd May 2026
Interview date: TBC
About Steps for Tomorrow – Children’s Residential
Steps for Tomorrow is our signature model of care – a distinctive, trauma-informed, relationship-based approach that defines who we are and how all of our homes will operate. It represents a calm, nurturing and forward-looking ethos where children are supported through steady, meaningful steps toward safety, healing and positive futures.
Company Description
Catholic Care is a values-led charity dedicated to supporting individuals, families and communities through empowering and high-quality services. Guided by our values and mission, we empower the Yorkshire community to deliver lasting impact where it matters most. We support people across a range of settings and life experiences, including Adult Learning Disability services, Children’s Residential services and community projects such as Gianna Baby Bank, social groups and our trauma-informed School Social Work team. Our focus remains the same: supporting people to live with independence, dignity and connection to others.
Role Description
You will be at the heart of the home, building relationships, supporting children day to day and helping them feel safe, valued and understood. You will:
- Support children with their routines, education and emotional wellbeing
- Build positive, trusting relationships
- Contribute to a warm, stable and caring environment
- Be part of a team that reflects, learns and grows together
Why this is different
We are not asking you to walk into an already established home and “pick things up.” We are inviting you to help build the culture, relationships and environment from day one.
Start date: July 2026
You will be part of a full month of induction and development before the home opens, giving you the time, space and support to truly prepare. This means:
- Time to build a strong, connected team
- Time to understand our approach, values and expectations
- Time to feel confident before welcoming children into their home
We invest in our people because we know that great care starts with confident, supported staff.
Who are we looking for?
People who:
- Genuinely care about children and their experiences
- Understand that behaviour is communication
- Can bring calm, consistency and compassion
- Are willing to learn, reflect and grow
- Want to be part of a team that supports each other
Experience is important, but your values, attitude and commitment matter just as much.
Why Join Steps for Tomorrow?
Because this is a place where:
- You are supported to develop and progress
- Leadership is visible, present and invested in you
- Training and development are prioritised from day one
- You are part of a wider vision, not just one home
Be part of the start. There is something special about being there at the beginning. About helping shape a home. About knowing you helped create a place where children feel safe. If that matters to you, we would love to hear from you.
For more information, visit catholic-care.org.uk or contact alex.smith@catholic-care.org.uk. Full job description and application instructions under ‘Latest Vacancies’.
Residential Support Worker employer: Catholic Care (Diocese of Leeds)
At Catholic Care, we are committed to creating a nurturing and empowering environment for both our staff and the children we support. As a Residential Support Worker at our new children's home in Wakefield, you will have the unique opportunity to shape a positive culture from the ground up, backed by comprehensive training and development. Our values-led approach ensures that you are not just an employee, but a vital part of a mission-driven team dedicated to making a lasting impact in the lives of children.
Contact Detail:
Catholic Care (Diocese of Leeds) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, dive into Steps for Tomorrow's mission and values. Understanding their approach will help you connect your experiences to what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. This will help you articulate your passion for supporting children and showcase your commitment to their wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself! Authenticity is key when building relationships, especially in a role like this. Share your personal stories and experiences that highlight your compassion and understanding of children's needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds!
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us:Before you start your application, take a moment to explore our website. Understanding our values and mission will help you tailor your application to show how you align with what we stand for.
Be Authentic:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for supporting children and your commitment to making a difference.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you don’t have direct experience in residential support, think about any relevant skills or experiences you can bring to the table. Whether it’s volunteering, mentoring, or personal experiences, make sure to include them!
Follow Application Instructions:Remember, we ask candidates to apply via our website, not LinkedIn. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully to ensure your application gets to us without a hitch!
How to prepare for a job interview at Catholic Care (Diocese of Leeds)
✨Understand the Values
Before your interview, take some time to really understand the values and mission of Steps for Tomorrow. Familiarise yourself with their trauma-informed, relationship-based approach. This will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for and show that you genuinely care about their ethos.
✨Showcase Your Experience
While experience is important, it’s your attitude and commitment that matter just as much. Be ready to share specific examples from your past where you’ve demonstrated calmness, compassion, and the ability to build trusting relationships with children. This will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the induction process, team dynamics, or how they support staff development. Asking insightful questions shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
Remember, they’re looking for someone who fits into their culture and values. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through during the interview. Authenticity can go a long way in making a positive impression and showing that you’re the right person to help shape a nurturing environment.
