At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide nurturing care to children, supporting them through daily challenges and trauma.
- Company: Join a supportive team at Essex County Council making a real difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, competitive salary, and access to high-quality training.
- Other info: Full training provided, with excellent career growth opportunities in the child and family sector.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on young lives while developing your career in a rewarding environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's care is a plus; open-mindedness and adaptability are key.
The predicted salary is between 28914 - 36581 £ per year.
Residential Worker Permanent, Full Time £28,914 to £36,581 per annum (includes allowance) Location: Colchester Closing Date: Wednesday 15th April 2026 at 11.59pm Interview Dates: Tuesday 5th May to Friday 8th May 2026.
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 New Farm Road, Stanway, Colchester CO3 0PG – a five-bedded home for young people between the ages of 11-17. You will be working as part of a multidisciplinary team to support young people that have experienced trauma.
Responsibilities
- Providing nurturing therapeutic care to children who have experienced trauma, supporting and caring for them as a parent would, and managing daily challenges with a calm and patient demeanour.
- You will also need to be able to manage challenging behaviour, including aggression and violence, using a range of de-escalation techniques.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills are essential.
Qualifications
- Previous experience working in a children’s home is beneficial, but many other skills can also make you suitable for the role.
- Open-minded, flexible, adaptable, and able to manage challenges with calmness.
- If you do not already have a Level 3 Diploma, you will need to complete it within 2 years of successful completion of the probation period – you will be supported with this.
Training & Support
We will provide 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.
Work Schedule
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) with every other weekend off.
Application Process
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.
Salary & Benefits
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.
Residential Worker – Children’s Care Home in Colchester employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Join us as a Residential Worker in Colchester, where you will be part of a dedicated team making a real difference in the lives of young people. Enjoy a supportive work culture with excellent training opportunities, generous annual leave, and a local authority pension scheme, all while working in a nurturing environment that values your contributions and promotes personal growth.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Worker – Children’s Care Home in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the team and their values. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference in the lives of local children.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your de-escalation techniques! Since you'll be managing challenging behaviours, it’s crucial to demonstrate your skills during the interview. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully handled tough situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your passion for working with children. Talk about why you want to support young people who have experienced trauma. Your enthusiasm can really set you apart from other candidates!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Worker – Children’s Care Home in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for working with children shine through. We want to see why you care about making a difference in their lives and how your experiences have shaped that commitment.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Residential Worker. Highlight any relevant experience, skills, and qualifications that align with the job description. We love seeing how your background fits with our mission!
Be Clear and Concise:In your written application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and keep your sentences concise. We appreciate applications that are easy to read and get straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it helps us keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Residential Worker. Familiarise yourself with the challenges young people face and think about how you can provide nurturing care. This will help you demonstrate your passion and suitability for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated with children or managed challenging behaviour in the past. Be ready to discuss specific situations where your calmness and patience made a difference.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle difficult situations. Think about how you would approach de-escalating a conflict or supporting a child through trauma. Practising these responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. You might ask about the training opportunities available or how the team supports each other in challenging times.
