At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through targeted interventions and purposeful activities.
- Company: Join Lancashire County Council's innovative SPACE Hub initiative.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, strong communication skills, and a passion for support.
The predicted salary is between 28142 - 32061 £ per year.
Salary £28,142 - £32,061 per annum* | Permanent, Full Time 37 hours per week | Plus enhancements for shift work, weekend working and sleep-in duty.
This role cannot offer visa sponsorship.
As part of our "Where Our Children Live" programme, we are seeking dedicated Residential Child Care Workers to join the teams at our newly launched SPACE Hub. This initiative is focused on creating safe, supportive homes for Lancashire children and forms a key part of our wider strategy to modernise and expand residential childcare across the county.
About Us… SPACE (Supporting and Preventing Additional Care Experiences) hubs offer a dynamic, community-based approach to care and support for children, young people and families. This is a new, exciting initiative designed to support children, young people and families across Lancashire.
Each Hub Provides Four Core Services:
- Diversion from care – offering immediate and preventative support to help families stay together.
- Reunification – supporting children in care to return safely to their families.
- Stabilisation of care arrangements – strengthening existing care arrangements including SGO, foster care and more to prevent unplanned endings.
- Tailored support – enhancing our Pause and Reflect care arrangements and the 16/17 year old homeless protocol.
The SPACE hubs represent a significant step forward in our commitment to early intervention, family preservation and care stability.
About The Role... As a Residential Child Care Worker in our SPACE Hubs, you will be responsible for delivering early intervention and targeted support to families facing a range of challenges. You will work directly with children, young people, parents and carers, in their homes and community settings, providing one-to-one interventions that promote emotional wellbeing and resilience. Your role will involve planning and leading purposeful activities designed to build confidence and strengthen relationships. You will collaborate closely with schools, social workers, and other professionals to ensure a coordinated approach to support. Through your work, you will help families develop stronger connections and achieve positive, lasting outcomes. This role will involve working on a Rota Basis, working a mix of days, evenings, weekends and sleep-in shifts.
About You… We are seeking individuals who are committed to empowering parents and enabling young people to thrive. Our ideal candidate is someone who has:
- Experience working with older children & young people in a community-based setting.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build meaningful relationships.
- Understanding of the needs of children and young people and the relevant legislation surrounding their care.
- Excellent communication skills, and the ability to respond appropriately to challenging behaviour.
It is key to us that any worker joining the Residential team has the skills, abilities, and outlook that our children tell us they need from us. When asked what they would want from a Residential Child Care Worker in our home, our children ultimately wanted someone who has time to listen, takes action, makes great food and ultimately will spend time with them. If you have a passion for building relationships with children and motivation to make a meaningful difference, then we want to hear from you!
Why join us? By joining Lancashire County Council, you can shape the career path that is right for you with the opportunity to gain personal and professional qualifications - Lancashire County Council really is the place where you can have the career you've always wanted.
In return for your passion, we also offer a generous benefits package which includes:
- A competitive salary and Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions and optional Additional Voluntary Contributions.
- A great holiday entitlement of 26 days annual leave, which rises with length of service. You will also be entitled to 8 Bank Holidays, 2 additional statutory Bank Holidays, and have the option to buy additional leave each year.
- Our staff discount scheme in partnership with Vivup allowing you to access discounts with a range of UK retailers, saving on everything from weekly food shops to white goods and cars.
How to Apply… To apply for a post, you can apply via the 'Apply Now' button below. Please ensure you attach the following: CV Supporting Statement. Please ensure you have uploaded and attached your supporting statement to evidence how you meet the criteria for the role. The panel may be unable to shortlist you for interview without this evidence.
If you would like more information regarding the role, please contact our Talent Team, via email – talent@lancashire.gov.uk, to arrange an informal chat.
Closing Date: 31 May 2026. We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications.
The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a 'disclosure'. Further information can be found on the 'Our Recruitment Process' tab.
You will be required to provide a car for use in connection with the duties of this post and must be insured for business use. However, we may consider you if you cannot drive because of a disability.
Impactful Residential Child Care Worker - SPACE Hub in Preston employer: Lancashire County Council
Joining Lancashire County Council as a Residential Child Care Worker at the innovative SPACE Hub offers you the chance to make a real difference in the lives of children and families across Lancashire. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive salaries, and a generous benefits package including extensive leave and pension contributions, we foster a supportive work culture that values your contributions and encourages personal growth. Here, you will be part of a dedicated team focused on early intervention and family preservation, all while enjoying the vibrant community atmosphere of Lancashire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Impactful Residential Child Care Worker - SPACE Hub in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the SPACE Hub and its mission! Research their approach to supporting children and families, and think about how your experience aligns with their values. This will help you stand out in interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn or local community groups. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about scenarios where you've made a difference in children's lives or handled challenging situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure to tailor your CV and supporting statement to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace Impactful Residential Child Care Worker - SPACE Hub in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure your supporting statement is personalised to the role. Highlight your experience with children and young people, and how it aligns with our mission at SPACE Hub. We want to see how you can make a difference!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In your application, don’t just tell us about your skills—show us! Use examples that demonstrate your ability to build meaningful relationships and handle challenging situations. We love hearing real stories!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your CV and supporting statement clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Remember, we’re looking for clarity in communication, just like you’ll need in the role!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to hit that 'Apply Now' button on our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application in front of us. Plus, it ensures you’ve included all the necessary documents we need to consider your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Know the SPACE Hub Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand the SPACE Hub's mission and services. Familiarise yourself with their approach to supporting children and families, as well as the specific challenges they face. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience to their needs.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
As a Residential Child Care Worker, building relationships is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully connected with children or families. Highlight your communication skills and how you've handled challenging behaviours, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-life situations. Think of scenarios where you've had to intervene or support someone in need. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready to ask the panel. Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values.
