At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and nurture children in a home environment, building trusting relationships.
- Company: Join North East Lincolnshire Council, making a real difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing training, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and opportunities for personal growth in a caring environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a rewarding journey, helping children thrive and feel valued.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and a passion for making a positive impact.
The predicted salary is between 28142 - 28142 £ per year.
Can you make a house feel like a home in a team that feels like a family? Are you resilient, passionate and enthusiastic about building meaningful relationships with young people? Ever considered a rewarding career, supporting care experienced young people to achieve their full potential?
Children are unique, brilliant and full of personality. Some love a long walk and a good chat, others prefer a cosy movie night with their favourite treats. Some need support with homework, others are fiercely independent but still need reassurance, encouragement and sometimes a hot chocolate at the end of a hard day. Some are sporty and love a kick about at the park, others enjoy painting, cooking, creating and trying something new. All our children are different in their own way, but they all agree on one important thing – it’s the staff who make the biggest difference.
Research shows that children in care may not have had consistent adults in their lives, which is why a caring, reliable team matters so much. Our children’s homes are more than places to live; they are homes filled with love, laughter, trust, safety and belonging. Children can build relationships, feel cared for, be themselves and begin to believe in their future.
We are looking for Child Care Officers who are caring, resilient, enthusiastic and committed to making a real difference. This is an incredibly rewarding role. If you have experience working with children, can be part of a supportive team, would like to help a child through difficult times, celebrate their progress and provide the kind of care that changes lives, we would love to hear from you.
Why join us? Now is an exciting time to join North East Lincolnshire Children's Homes and Supported Accommodation. We are proud of the difference we make for children every day and of the supportive, ambitious culture we continue to build.
What will the role involve?
As a Care Officer in one of our children’s homes, you will be part of a dedicated team providing safe, nurturing and consistent care for children who cannot live with their families. This role is about more than routines; it’s about building trusting relationships and helping children feel secure, valued and understood in their everyday lives. No two days are ever the same.
- Welcoming children home from school
- Preparing meals and spending time together
- Supporting with homework, routines and self‑care
- Listening, guiding and building trusting relationships
- Helping children enjoy positive experiences, hobbies and childhood memories
- Supporting children with access to education, learning and their progress
- Supporting children through challenges such as bullying, exploring identity, peer influence and possible emotional difficulties
You will be involved in the day‑to‑day running of the home, supporting children with many everyday tasks. You’ll listen, guide and encourage, offering reassurance when things feel difficult and celebrating progress, however big or small. Working as part of a close‑knit team, you’ll help create a home environment where children feel safe enough to be themselves, develop confidence and begin to believe in their future. You’ll act as a positive role model, advocate for each child’s voice, and work alongside colleagues and partner agencies to ensure every child receives the care and support they deserve.
Working pattern
Our homes operate on a rota basis and include a mix of shifts, such as:
- Morning shifts – typically around 8.00am to 3.00pm (times may vary)
- Evening shifts – typically around 2.30pm to 10.30pm
- Sleep‑in/overnight shifts – shared across the team on a rotational basis
- Weekend working – as part of the rota
This role involves working across all our children’s homes, supporting different teams and caring for all our children, ensuring consistency, stability and strong relationships wherever you work.
Who are we looking for?
- Are passionate about caring for children
- Value trauma‑informed practice, recognising that many children’s behaviours are shaped by their experiences and need calm, understanding and consistent adults
- Understand the importance of strong relationships and Corporate Parenting
- Are patient, nurturing, emotionally intelligent and adaptable
- Can communicate clearly with children, colleagues and partner agencies
- Are organised and flexible
- Have resilience to support children through everyday routines and more challenging moments
- Have worked with children before
- Want to be part of a team that celebrates success together and supports one another through difficulties
You do not need to be the same as everybody else; individuality is welcomed. Our children need trusted adults with different strengths, personalities and interests who can help them feel seen, heard and valued.
What can you expect from us?
We know this work matters, and we know our staff matter too. In return, we offer:
- A competitive salary with access to our exclusive RewardNEL platform
- Additional payments for sleep‑ins
- A supportive working environment
- Strong leadership and regular reflective supervision
- Detailed induction and ongoing specialist training
- Development opportunities
- The chance to build your knowledge, skills and confidence in residential childcare practice
Training and qualification
Subject to eligibility, this role requires completion of a Children, Young People and Families Level 4 Apprenticeship or equivalent, and candidates must be committed to completing this within 18 months. Together, our staff show up with warmth, patience and belief, creating homes where children feel safe, valued and supported. By joining us, you’ll be part of a team that works side by side to help children build trust, confidence and hope for their future.
Join our Team
All applicants are advised to carefully read the information provided in the Role Profile and Person Specification. When completing our application form, we want to hear about why you think you are the perfect fit to work with our children and young people, and what experience, skills or qualities you have that make you the ideal candidate. If you require an informal discussion about the role please contact tracy.jefferson@nelincs.gov.uk
Child Care Officer – Children’s Homes and Supported Accommodation (Full Time) employer: New Start
North East Lincolnshire Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a nurturing environment for both its staff and the children they support. With a strong emphasis on professional development, competitive salaries, and a supportive work culture, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles. The council's commitment to trauma-informed care and building meaningful relationships ensures that every team member plays a vital role in making a positive impact on the lives of young people in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Child Care Officer – Children’s Homes and Supported Accommodation (Full Time)
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at New Start.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from New Start!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like New Start, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at New Start or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Child Care Officer – Children’s Homes and Supported Accommodation (Full Time)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to New Start:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to New Start! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Start
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
