At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and care for young people aged 11-17 in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, an Outstanding-rated employer dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, a competitive salary, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent training and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of children and families facing challenges.
- Qualifications: Open-minded individuals with a passion for helping others; experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 36581 - 36581 £ per year.
Permanent, Full Time
£28,914 to £36,581 per annum (includes allowance)
Location: Colchester
Working Style: Fixed-base worker
Closing Date: Tuesday 28th July 2026 at 11.59pm
Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.
Interview Dates: Monday 10th August onwards.
Are you interested in working with children and young people to make a difference in their lives? If so, then this could be the right opportunity for you. It is an exciting time to join Essex County Council as we invest in and expand our residential provision and not only have we been named Outstanding by Ofsted, we are delighted to have been crowned Social Work Employer of the Year for the second time in the last three years!
Why work with us?
- 26 days annual leave (Full Time Equivalent)
- 37 hour working week - Monday to Sunday, over a mixture of early (07:00am – 14.30pm) and late (14:00pm – 21.30pm) shifts with every other weekend off.
- Opportunity for overtime.
- Local Authority Defined Benefit Pension Scheme.
Use your skills to make a difference to the lives of local children and families who experience difficulties and inequalities. Work for a team with great team morale and friendly, helpful, and supportive colleagues. Access high quality training and development to help develop your career within the child and family sector.
This role will be based on-site at Colchester a five bedded home for young people between the age of 11-17. You will be working as part of a multidisciplinary team to support young people that have experienced trauma. Being a Residential Worker requires a special kind of person. Day to day your main focus will be on providing nurturing therapeutic care to children who have experienced trauma, supporting and caring for them as a parent would, and each day brings unique experiences, filled with both highs and lows.
Previous experience of working in a children’s home would be beneficial; however, there are many skills that you might have that would make you suitable for the role. It is important to be open minded and have a flexible and adaptable attitude and be able to manage challenges with a calm and patient demeanour. You will have an ability/willingness to understand and manage challenging behaviour including aggression and violence using a range of de-escalation techniques. You will also need to have effective written and verbal communication skills.
If you don’t already have a Level 3 Diploma you will need to complete this within 2 years of successful completion of probation period and you will be supported with this. We will also provide you with all the training you need for the role along with good quality, regular supervision. This, together with the right attitude and access to a full in-house induction, will enable you to start your career with Essex County Council with confidence.
You will work 37 hours per week over a mixture of early (07:00am – 14.30pm) and late (14:00pm – 21.30pm) shifts across 7 days a week / 365 days a year working pattern and have every other weekend off.
If shortlisted the interview process will be a one stage process where you will attend the home for a face-to-face interview. Due to the nature of this role any applicants need to be at least 21 years old to undertake this post.
The salary offered is made up of a basic salary £26,286 to £33,256 per annum and a guaranteed allowance of 10% - £2,628.60 to £3,325.60 per annum, paid monthly, alongside the basic salary.
If you would like to know more about this role, please contact Wayne Russell - Registered Home Manager or Marcus Gill - Deputy Home Manager to arrange an informal chat.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Residential Worker in Colchester employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. With flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, staff are encouraged to grow within their roles, all while contributing to a vital service in the heart of Chelmsford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Worker in Colchester
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Essex County Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Essex County Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Essex County Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Essex County Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Worker in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Essex County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Essex County Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
