Senior Residential Child Care Worker | Children\'s Residential Service | East Lancashire

As part of the Where Our Children Live program, our Residential Service is expanding. 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. We have opportunities for dedicated & passionate individuals to join our service as Senior Residential Child Care Workers at homes based in Burnley, Accrington, Nelson, Rawtenstall, and Haslingden.

The Children's Residential Service provides a safe, nurturing environment for children in care. Our team works 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 people 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. This role will involve working on a Rota Basis, working a mix of days, evenings, weekends, and sleep-in shifts.

To be a successful Senior Residential Child Care Worker, we’re looking for someone who:

• 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.
• Is confident in leading shifts, mentoring staff, and managing risk.
• Understands children's legislation and safeguarding practices.

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. 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.

To apply for a post, you can apply via the Apply Now button below. Please ensure you attach your CV and a 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 of February 2026

Interview Date: On a weekly basis, every Wednesday. We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early 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.