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- Tasks: Lead a team to provide care and support for children with complex needs.
- Company: Join Lancashire County Council, dedicated to creating safe homes for children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in children's social care and relevant qualifications required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 32000 £ per year.
Salary £32,061 - £36,363* Per Annum | Permanent, Full Time 37 hours per week | Chorley
*Plus enhancements for shift work, weekend working and sleep-in duty
As part of the Where Our Children Live program, our Residential Service is expanding. One of our new homes, based in Chorley, is now seeking passionate, dedicated individuals, to join us as Senior Residential Child Care Workers. 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.
The Children's Residential Service provides a safe, nurturing environment for children in care. Our children cannot live safely with their family due to a variety of reasons and so our team work tirelessly to meet the needs of children within our homes and generate the best outcomes, while keeping them safe from harm. We pride ourselves in developing positive, meaningful, and lifelong relationships with our children. With an emphasis on working creatively, we promote lots of fun activities for our children inside and outside the homes and ensure that our children and young person are supported to develop in all areas of life.
As a Senior Residential Child Care Worker, you'll play a key role in leading and supporting a team of Residential Childcare Workers. You'll champion the care, safety, and development of children with complex needs, helping to implement care plans, promote education, and support emotional wellbeing. You'll also take a central role in inspections, safeguarding, and care planning, while being a role model for best practice, integrity, and compassion. The home is located in Chorley, and consists of three solo flats, within the unit. This role will involve working on a Rota Basis, working a mix of days, evenings, weekends and sleep-in shifts.
About you
- Has at least 3 years' experience in children's social care or residential settings.
- Holds a QCF Level 4 or NVQ Level 3 or 4 in a relevant field.
- Confident in leading shifts, mentoring staff and managing risk.
- Understands children's legislation and safeguarding practices.
Are you a passionate and experienced childcare professional ready to take the next step in your career? Do you want to be part of a supportive, values-driven team that puts children and young people at the heart of everything we do? 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 1st February 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.
Senior Residential Child Care Worker | Children\'s Residential Service | Chorley in Preston employer: Lancashire County Council
Contact Detail:
Lancashire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Residential Child Care Worker | Children\'s Residential Service | Chorley in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research their values and mission, especially around child care. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to children's services. This can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions specific to residential child care roles. Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated leadership or handled challenging situations, as these will likely come up.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in children’s lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Residential Child Care Worker | Children\'s Residential Service | Chorley in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in children's social care. We want to see how your skills align with the role of a Senior Residential Child Care Worker, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to clearly demonstrate how you meet the criteria outlined in the job description. Be specific and give examples of your past experiences that relate to the role.
Show Your Passion: We’re looking for passionate individuals who truly care about making a difference in children’s lives. Let your enthusiasm for the role come through in your application – it can really set you apart from other candidates!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website using the 'Apply Now' button! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Senior Residential Child Care Worker. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children in care, safeguarding practices, and relevant legislation. This will show that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in children's social care or residential settings. Think of specific examples where you’ve led a team, managed risks, or implemented care plans. This will help demonstrate your capability and confidence in handling the responsibilities of the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Leadership
As a Senior Residential Child Care Worker, you’ll be leading a team. Be ready to talk about your leadership style and how you mentor others. Share instances where you’ve fostered a positive team environment or resolved conflicts, as this will highlight your ability to support and guide your colleagues.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think through potential situations you might face in the role and how you would handle them. This will showcase your critical thinking and readiness to tackle challenges head-on.
