Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead shifts, plan activities, and support young people in their daily lives.
- Company: Join Hertfordshire County Council's dedicated residential service for children with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a great work-life balance, flexible shifts, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be a mentor and role model, helping young people overcome challenges and thrive.
- Qualifications: Must have NVQ level 4 in Health & Social Care and experience in residential care.
- Other info: Shift work includes evenings, weekends, and sleep-in duties; flexibility is key.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
About the team
Hertfordshire County Council has its own residential service for children, consisting of 7 homes, including 2 very specialist homes, 1 disability home, and the rest mainstream multi-bedded homes. All homes currently hold Ofsted ratings of good or outstanding. As a senior, you form part of the leadership of the home and ensure the needs of the home and young people are met and maintained at the highest possible level. Each home is made up of a Registered Manager, Deputy, Senior Residential Childcare Workers, Residential Childcare Workers, cleaners, and home administrators. As a Senior within the residential service, there will be times you are asked to support other homes.
About the role
Below are some of the things you could say about your role on a day-to-day basis working in our Residential Care homes:
- “It’s the best job in the World”
- “The work-life balance is brilliant”
- “I am at home more than I am at work - both families benefit”
- “Thanks for running me a bath” - is what made me smile today - win/win
If you really want to make a difference to a young person’s life then read on… It is hard to put a job title on a role where you are a mentor, teacher, coach, deliverer of parental guidance, role model, therapist, councillor, and family liaison, often all in the same day. Daily, you will be liaising with a host of individuals and services, from our young person’s family to schools and education authorities, social workers, police, and a whole range of other internal and external contacts.
The essence of the role is to support, almost as an extension of the family, one young person to help them develop into adulthood as effectively as possible, establishing routine, boundaries, and consistency in a calm, non-judgemental manner. You will work with children and young people who display challenging behaviour due to early life trauma. No two days are the same in our Residential Service - on your working days you could be taking your young person horse riding, painting, for a drive, for a walk, out shopping, or attending virtual schools. You will support children to achieve and grow through positive experiences.
Our commitment to young people in our care is to be there around the clock for them. As part of your role, you will complete relevant paperwork and work within relevant legislation. You will be part of a team working on a shift/rota basis; you will work together with the rest of the team, and your senior, to organise this in advance. Due to the nature of our care, there may be occasions where you need to swap shifts, and working together with your team we can achieve this flexibility.
As a Senior Residential Childcare Worker, you would need to do the following:
- Shift work including evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-in duties.
- Lead and manage shifts.
- Plan weekly activities for the young people.
- Ensure the home is working to the regulations.
- Line manage and supervise Residential Childcare Workers (RCWs).
- Train and develop RCWs.
- Report writing.
- Undertake specialist training for the role.
- Oversee the children’s files, ensuring all documentation is up to date and relevant.
- Manage incidents.
- Maintain the safety of the young people, staff, and home.
- Manage and report safeguarding concerns in line with policy and procedure.
About you
Essential:
- Minimum 9-12 months experience of working in residential children’s homes.
- Hold NVQ level 4 Health & Social Care.
- Hold a full driving licence and business insurance.
- Willingness to undertake shift work.
Desirable:
- Staff supervision.
- Attending/leading meetings with key stakeholders.
- Working with families.
We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.
Senior Residential Childcare Worker employer: Hertfordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Hertfordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Residential Childcare Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the children in residential care. Understanding trauma-informed care and how to support young people with challenging behaviours will set you apart as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of residential childcare. Attend local workshops or seminars to connect with others who work in similar roles, as they may provide insights or even referrals for job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your leadership skills by discussing any previous experience where you managed a team or led activities. Highlighting your ability to mentor and develop others will resonate well with hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your approach to building relationships with young people and their families. Sharing specific examples of how you've successfully engaged with children and supported their development can make a strong impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Residential Childcare Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Senior Residential Childcare Worker. Reflect on your experiences and how they align with the job description, especially regarding mentoring, supporting young people, and managing shifts.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in residential childcare. Emphasise your NVQ Level 4 qualification, any supervisory roles you've held, and specific examples of how you've supported young people in challenging situations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working with children and young people. Include anecdotes that demonstrate your ability to create positive experiences and establish routines, as well as your commitment to their development.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire County Council
✨Show Your Passion for Childcare
Make sure to express your genuine passion for working with children and young people. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted their lives in previous roles, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Senior Residential Childcare Worker, you'll be expected to lead and manage shifts. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams or supported colleagues in challenging situations.
✨Understand the Regulations
Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and regulations governing residential childcare. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in your work and how you would handle safeguarding concerns.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging behaviours. Think about past experiences where you've successfully navigated difficult situations and be prepared to share those stories.
