Senior Residential Childcare Worker

Senior Residential Childcare Worker

Full-Time 31068 - 32639 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
Catholic Care (Diocese of Leeds)

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children in a nurturing environment, building relationships and ensuring their safety.
  • Company: Join Catholic Care, a values-led charity making a real difference in the community.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive training, and opportunities for personal growth.
  • Other info: Join us in July 2026 for a month of induction before the home opens.
  • Why this job: Be part of creating a safe home from the ground up and make a lasting impact.
  • Qualifications: Passion for supporting children, with a focus on compassion and teamwork.

The predicted salary is between 31068 - 32639 ÂŁ per year.

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: ÂŁ31,068-ÂŁ32,639 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. Our work spans 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. Whether it’s in a supported living home, an outreach setting or a community hub, 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.

  • Provide guidance and support to the team
  • Ensure high standards of care and recording
  • Work closely with the Registered Manager
  • Help create a home that feels safe, structured, and nurturing

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, the relationships and the 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'.

Senior Residential Childcare Worker employer: Catholic Care (Diocese of Leeds)

At Steps for Tomorrow, we are committed to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for both our staff and the children in our care. As a Senior Residential Childcare Worker, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the culture and relationships within a new children's home, backed by comprehensive training and development from day one. 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 Yorkshire community.
Catholic Care (Diocese of Leeds)

Contact Detail:

Catholic Care (Diocese of Leeds) Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Residential Childcare Worker

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company! Before your interview, dive into Steps for Tomorrow's mission and values. Understanding their trauma-informed approach will help you connect your experiences with 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. Focus on how your values align with theirs, especially around caring for children and building relationships.

✨Tip Number 3

Show your passion! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in children's lives. This is your chance to shine and show that you genuinely care about their experiences.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Steps for Tomorrow team from the very start!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Residential Childcare Worker

Relationship Building
Child-Centred Care
Trauma-Informed Approach
Communication Skills
Teamwork
Empathy
Behaviour Management
Adaptability
Conflict Resolution
Nurturing Environment Creation
Reflective Practice
Commitment to Professional Development
Leadership Support

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for working with children shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about their experiences and are excited about being part of something new.

Be Authentic: Don’t just list your qualifications; share your personal journey and values. We’re looking for people who understand that behaviour is communication and can bring calm, consistency, and compassion to the role.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to reflect our ethos and approach. Highlight any relevant experience and how it aligns with our trauma-informed, relationship-based model of care.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and shows you’re serious about joining our team at Steps for Tomorrow.

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. They’re looking for people who genuinely care about children and their experiences, so think about how your own values align with theirs and be ready to share examples.

✨Showcase Your Experience

While experience is important, it’s equally vital to demonstrate your attitude and commitment. Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you’ve shown calmness, consistency, and compassion in challenging situations. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly understands the role.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the new home, the team dynamics, and how they envision the culture being built. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to a positive environment for the children.

✨Be Ready to Reflect

Steps for Tomorrow values individuals who are willing to learn, reflect, and grow. Think about times when you’ve had to adapt or change your approach based on feedback. Be prepared to discuss these experiences, as they’ll highlight your growth mindset and readiness to contribute to the team.

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