At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through targeted interventions and purposeful activities.
- Company: Join Lancashire County Council's innovative SPACE Hub for a rewarding career.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and staff discounts.
- 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.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 24114 - 26500 Β£ per year.
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, located in Accrington. 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 β offering immediate and preventative support to help families stay together.
- Reunification β supporting children in care to return safely to their families.
- Stabilisation of care arrangements β strengthening existing care arrangements including SGO, foster care and more to prevent unplanned endings.
- Tailored support β enhancing our Pause and Reflect care arrangements and the 16/17 year old homeless protocol.
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, with a mix of days, evenings, weekends and sleepβin shifts.
About You
- 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 β 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
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 β 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.
Residential Child Care Worker (SPACE Hub) | Children\'s Residential Service | Accrington employer: Lancashire County Council
Contact Detail:
Lancashire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Residential Child Care Worker (SPACE Hub) | Children\'s Residential Service | Accrington
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the SPACE Hub and its mission! Familiarise yourself with their approach to supporting children and families. This will help you connect your experiences to their values during interviews.
β¨Tip Number 2
Practice your interpersonal skills! Since building relationships is key in this role, consider role-playing scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence in handling challenging behaviours.
β¨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of the SPACE Hub on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about the interview process.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure to attach a strong supporting statement that highlights how you meet the criteria for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Child Care Worker (SPACE Hub) | Children\'s Residential Service | Accrington
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the role of a Residential Child Care Worker. Highlight any relevant experience working with children and young people, as well as your interpersonal skills.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how you meet the criteria outlined in the job description. Be specific about your experiences and how they relate to the role β this is key for us to see your fit!
Show Your Passion: We want to see your enthusiasm for working with children and families. Share examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles or how you plan to engage with the children at our SPACE Hub.
Apply Through Our Website: Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youβre considered for the role. Plus, itβs super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
β¨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Residential Child Care Worker. Familiarise yourself with the SPACE Hub's mission and the specific services they provide. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and how your skills align with their goals.
β¨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
Since this role involves building meaningful relationships with children and families, be prepared to share examples from your past experiences. Think of situations where you've successfully connected with young people or supported families in challenging times. Highlight your communication skills and ability to handle difficult behaviours.
β¨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during your interview. These might involve handling challenging situations or supporting a child in distress. Practice your responses by thinking through how you would approach these scenarios, focusing on empathy, problem-solving, and collaboration with other professionals.
β¨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the role. Ask about the team dynamics, the types of activities you might lead, or how success is measured in the SPACE Hub. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.