Senior Residential Childcare Workers

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 you will sometimes be asked to support other homes. About the role, our day‑to‑day work involves being a mentor, teacher, coach, deliverer of parental guidance, role model, therapist, counsellor and family liaison – all in the same day. You will liaise with families, schools, social workers, police and a range of other contacts, supporting a young person to 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 and plan a variety of activities – from horse riding, painting, drives, walks, shopping or virtual schools – to support positive growth and fulfil our commitment to young people in our care.

Key Responsibilities

• 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 operates within the regulations.
• Line‑manage and supervise Residential Childcare Workers (RCWs).
• Train and develop RCWs.
• Complete relevant paperwork and adhere to legislation.
• 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 the home.
• Manage and report safeguarding concerns in line with policy and procedure.

Qualifications

• Essential:
  • Minimum 9–12 months experience of working in a residential children’s home.
  • Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare or equivalent.
  • Full driving licence with business insurance.
  • Willingness to undertake shift work.
• Desirable:
  • Staff supervision experience.
  • Attending and/or leading meetings with key stakeholders.
  • Working with families.

Additional Information and EEO Statement

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. Hertfordshire County Council is an excellent employer committed to diversity and offers opportunities for further training via apprenticeships, supporting career progression in social care. As a Disability‑Confident employer we guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post. This role requires a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. You must have the ability to drive and/or travel on behalf of the council. Fluency in English is essential for communicating with the public and staff. This job is within the Health and Social Care sector and part of the Hertfordshire County Council residential services.