Residential Workers - Long-Stay Children's Home in North East

Residential Workers - Long-Stay Children's Home

Salary: £31,015 - £34,811 plus up to £5,000 in enhancements.

A brand-new, purpose-designed Children’s Home is opening in Aycliffe, and it’s unlike anything Durham County Council children homes has launched in years especially for children with learning disabilities and complex needs.

We’re creating aspecialist, long-stay homefor children and young people withlearning disabilities, physical disabilities, and complex needs, and we’re looking for passionate, dedicated Residential Workers to help us bring this vision to life.

This is your chance to be part of something trulygroundbreaking.

ABOUT THE HOME

We’ve sourced aunique, thoughtfully designed propertyin Aycliffe to provide a safe, nurturing, loving, and empowering environment for children who need it most. This home will offerhigh-quality, long-term caretailored to each child’s individual needs, delivered by a team that truly cares.

This is more than a job. It’s a chance tochange lives and be changed in return.

THE ROLE

As a Residential Worker, you’ll be a vital part of a close-knit, compassionate team. You’ll:

• Provide personal and physical care with dignity and respect
• Support children in developing independence, social skills, and confidence
• Accompany them to appointments, community activities, and new experiences
• Help create a warm, stable home where every child feels safe, valued, and understood
• Work collaboratively to deliver the vision set out in our Children’s Homes Statement of Purpose

WHY THIS ROLE IS SPECIAL

• A brand-new home - you’ll help shape its culture from day one
• A unique opportunity - this home will allow children with complex needs remain close to their friends and family in Durham
• Up to £5,000 extrain enhancements
• Flexible shift patternsto support work-life balance
• A values led culture built onDignity, Unity, Responsibility, Heart, Aspiration, and Mindset

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

We’re seeking motivated, child-centred professionals who:

• Hold GCSEs (A–C) in English and Maths or a qualification that is equivalent or higher
• Hold or are willing to gain a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare
• Have experience working with children or young people (voluntary or professional)
• Are emotionally resilient, reliable, and flexible
• Can act as positive role models and team players
• Are eager to learn and grow in a supportive environment
• Some knowledge or experience supporting children with disabilities is beneficial however full training will be provided.

Applicants must hold a current driving licence and have access to a car (employees with a disability must have access to a means of mobility support).

In accordance with Durham County Council’s requirements, candidates must be a minimum of 22 years of age or above to apply. The successful applicant for this post will be required to apply for a Disclosure & Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.

Our committment to safeguarding:

Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Children’s Barred List, due to the position working in regulated activity. Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation and will confirm whether an individual is barred from working with children.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

You will benefit from a comprehensive programme of training to support you to develop in your role. As well as access to a wide ranging rewards and benefits offer, take a closer look via Rewards and Benefits.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews are anticipated to be held w/c 2 November 2026.

REMOVAL AND LODGINGS

Removal, lodging and separation expenses may be available to the successful candidate if at the time of application for appointment their place of residence is outside the administrative area of County Durham and more than 30 miles in a straight line from their new administrative centre, along with several other criteria for eligibility.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.

RIGHT TO WORK AND VISA INFORMATION

All offers of employment are subject to the council meeting its legal obligations under UK immigration law. Applicants must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK at the point an offer is made.

This post is remunerated at £30,024 per annum. UK immigration rules set minimum salary and other eligibility requirements for visa sponsorship. It is unlikely that this role will be eligible for skilled worker visa sponsorship. Whether an applicant meets these requirements depends on their individual circumstances, including any existing permission to work. Applicants who may require a visa are encouraged to check the current UKVI rules before applying.

If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentCYPS@durham.gov.uk.

All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.

CONNECT WITH US

Follow us on Instagram.

Like us on Facebook.

Visit our website.

#J-18808-Ljbffr