Residential Child Care Worker

Residential Child Care Worker

Pontefract Full-Time 25756 - 31156 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Dove Adolescent Services

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support young people in residential care, engaging in activities and building trusting relationships.
  • Company: Join Dove Adolescent Services, a leading provider of children's services across the UK.
  • Benefits: Enjoy full training, competitive salary, sleep-in pay, employee discounts, and holiday pay.
  • Other info: Flexible hours, including weekends, and opportunities for professional growth await you!
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable youth is a plus, but passion and commitment are key.

The predicted salary is between 25756 - 31156 £ per year.

Residential Support Worker

Company: Dove Adolescent Services

Location: Wakefield

Base Location: With services in Pontefract, Wakefield, Eggborough and Barnsley we currently have vacancies throughout

Contract Type: Full time, permanent

Specific Hours: 39 hours per week

Salary:

  • Unqualified: Base salary of £26,785.82, with the potential to earn up to £32,185.82 with sleep‑in shifts.
  • Qualified (Level 3 Diploma or equivalent): Base salary of £27,355.29, with the potential to earn up to £32,755.29 with sleep‑in shifts.

What We Offer:

  • Full training and support to gain your Level 3 Diploma in Childcare or Level 4 Apprenticeship
  • £45 per sleep-in shift (average 8-10 per month)
  • Pension scheme
  • Employee discounts at over 740 retailers
  • Refer-a-Friend bonus – £500 for every successful referral
  • Childcare voucher scheme
  • Holiday pay and meals included on shift
  • Be part of the Polaris Community, one of the UK’s leading children’s services groups

About the Role

At Dove Adolescent Services, we provide safe, nurturing homes for young people aged 8-18, helping them build emotional resilience, positive relationships, and the skills they need for adulthood.

We’re recruiting Residential Childcare Support Workers across Yorkshire to support young people with personalised care, structure, and meaningful experiences.

In this role, you will:

  • Safeguard and support the wellbeing of young people
  • Build positive, trusting relationships
  • Encourage their interests, development, and independence
  • Take part in activities and help create a warm, inclusive home environment
  • Complete sleep‑in duties as part of a flexible rota

Whether you’re experienced, qualified, or simply passionate about supporting young people, we’d love to hear from you.

Why Join Dove?

Dove is a place to build a career, not just start a job-many of our Operations Directors and Home Managers began as Support Workers, progressing through ongoing training and development.

All of our inspected homes are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted, and we’re proud of our passionate, ambitious teams and our commitment to positive outcomes.

As part of the team, you could be:

  • Biking or hiking the Pennines
  • Taking trips to cinemas or theme parks
  • Or simply providing a safe, stable home where young people can thrive

What We’re Looking For:

  • A genuine desire to support and engage with young people
  • Ability to work as part of a team and independently
  • Flexibility to work weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-in shifts
  • Prior experience in care is welcome but not essential – we’ll train you!

Dove Adolescent Services is an equal opportunities employer. We actively encourage applications from all suitably qualified and eligible individuals, regardless of background. We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. All offers of employment will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

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Dove Adolescent Services

Contact Detail:

Dove Adolescent Services Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Residential Child Care Worker

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and challenges faced by young people in residential care. Understanding their backgrounds and experiences will help you connect better during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact.

✨Tip Number 2

Engage with local community groups or organisations that support vulnerable young people. This not only shows your dedication but also helps you gain valuable insights and experiences that can be shared during your interview.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your interpersonal skills and how you work within a team. Since the role requires collaboration, think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully worked with others to achieve a common goal.

✨Tip Number 4

Show enthusiasm for the activities mentioned in the job description, like outdoor adventures or creative projects. Being able to express your excitement about engaging with young people through these activities can set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Residential Child Care Worker

Empathy
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Teamwork
Problem-Solving Skills
Flexibility
Initiative
Understanding of Child Development
Safeguarding Knowledge
Ability to Build Trusting Relationships
Motivational Skills
Experience with Vulnerable Young People
Commitment to Professional Development
Adaptability to Changing Environments

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Residential Child Care Worker. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your experiences align with their needs.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience, especially any work with young people or in care settings. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in safeguarding, relationship building, and supporting vulnerable individuals.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for working with young people. Mention why you want to join Dove Adolescent Services specifically and how you can contribute to their mission of transforming lives.

Showcase Your Commitment: In your application, emphasise your understanding of the role's demands, including the need for flexibility and teamwork. Highlight any relevant training or willingness to learn, as they provide full training for qualifications.

How to prepare for a job interview at Dove Adolescent Services

✨Show Your Passion for Childcare

Make sure to express your genuine interest in working with young people. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to making a positive difference in their lives.

✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit

Since the role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others. Highlight examples of teamwork from previous roles and how you contribute to a supportive environment.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think of specific scenarios where you successfully supported vulnerable individuals and how you approached those challenges.

✨Understand the Company’s Values

Familiarise yourself with Dove Adolescent Services' mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, particularly regarding safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Residential Child Care Worker
Dove Adolescent Services
Location: Pontefract

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