At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and empower young people in a nurturing residential environment.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a dynamic local authority making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Compassionate individuals with strong communication skills; experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 23935 - 35344 £ per year.
Job Description
Residential Worker
Permanent, Full Time
£27,935 - £35,344 per annum (including allowance)
Location: Basildon
Working Style: Fixed-base worker
Closing date: 7 April 2026
“If you have the ability to be patient, to be kind and to be there for any young person, then you can definitely do the job” – Cerys, Residential Worker.
Join our brand-new children’s homes to help shape and empower brighter futures for our young people.
Are you looking to work in a brand-new children’s home that makes a positive, lasting difference to children’s lives? Are you compassionate, empathetic and resilient? If so, this opportunity could be perfect for you to start your career within the children and family sector!
We are looking for a team of compassionate and patient Residential Workers to make a difference to the lives of local children and families who experience difficulties and inequalities.
Hear more about the rewarding role of a Residential Worker here
Role Overview:
The role will be based across our brand-new Basildon sites - where you'll help create safe, nurturing environments for young people aged 11–17 who have experienced trauma.
The Residential Worker will effectively contribute to looking after and working with young people and families directly to ensure the delivery of good quality care. The role requires you to be empathetic and resilient to ensure our young people feel safe and protected.
In return, you'll be part of a team of passionate, like-minded professionals, supported by an encouraging and approachable management team. You'll also benefit from access to high-quality training and development opportunities, helping you grow and advance your career within the child and family sector.
What You’ll Get:
- 37-hour working week + potential overtime opportunities.
- 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + option to buy more.
- Generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Essex Rewards – discounts at hundreds of retailers.
- Lifeworks Health & Wellbeing Platform.
- 2 paid volunteering days (individual) + 2 team volunteering days annually.
- Ongoing learning and development to support your career journey.
What You’ll Do:
This role calls for a compassionate, resilient, and dedicated individual who can make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
- Directly support children and young people within a residential home, ensuring all regulatory requirements and codes of practice are consistently met.
- Contribute to care planning, helping assess individual needs and develop clear, actionable placement plans that are regularly reviewed and updated.
- Facilitate positive family contact, supporting young people in maintaining healthy relationships and preparing for adulthood.
- Empower young people to make informed decisions about their lives, encouraging independence and self-confidence.
- Collaborate with the management team to maintain a healthy, safe, and supportive living environment that promotes independence.
- Support access to education and personal interests, helping young people grow, learn, and prepare for a successful transition into adulthood.
- Contribute to the operational effectiveness of the residential home, including monitoring care standards and occasionally leading shifts.
- Work towards individual and shared objectives, reviewed annually as part of the performance management framework.
What We’re Looking For
Previous experience of working in a children’s home would be desirable however there are many skills that you might have that would make you suitable for the role:
Essential skills:
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or willingness to complete within 2 years – fully funded) or equivalent by experience.
- Strong communication and listening skills and the ability to engage with others effectively and at all levels.
Desirable skills:
- Evidence of working with young people to explore their behaviours and develop an understanding of their individual needs.
- Evidence of an awareness of child protection issues.
- Understands and demonstrates the ability to promote people’s equality, diversity and rights alongside experience of being able to protect children from abuse.
- Experience of contributing to the development, provision and review of Placement, and other care management plans, with evidence of the ability to encourage young people to develop and maintain a positive sense of identity.
You will work an average 37 hours a week with shift times being 7.00am – 2.30pm or 2.00pm – 9.30pm and you will have every other weekend off.
The salary offered is made up of a basic salary £25,395 up to £32,131 per annum, plus a guaranteed 10% allowance per annum, paid monthly, alongside the basic salary.
Due to nature of this role any applicants need to be at least 21 years old to undertake this post.
If shortlisted the interview process will be a video interview, followed by a face-to-face interview at the home.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re ready to bring your skills, compassion, and energy to a team that’s changing lives, we’d love to hear from you.
Residential Worker in Basildon employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment for Residential Workers in Basildon. With a strong focus on employee development, generous benefits including a Local Government Pension Scheme, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of young people, you will find meaningful and rewarding opportunities here. Join a passionate team dedicated to empowering children and families while enjoying flexible working arrangements and a culture that values integrity and respect.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Worker in Basildon
✨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 Basildon
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.
