At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in building confidence and independence while providing a safe environment.
- Company: Join an award-winning charity dedicated to helping children build brighter futures.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days holiday, health cashback scheme, and funded qualifications.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with ongoing training and support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives and enjoy meaningful career progression.
- Qualifications: Compassionate individuals with childcare experience and a commitment to learning.
The predicted salary is between 27300 - 43797 £ per year.
Join an award-winning charity – Kent Charity Awards 2025 & 2026 winner.
Location: Smeeth
Salary & Sleep‑in Payments: £33,273.00 to £43,797.00 (includes payment for 2 sleep‑ins per week, dependent on experience and based on either our 39‑hour or 45‑hour contract options)
About Us
For over 110 years, The Caldecott Foundation has been helping children build a future. We are a long-established charity providing residential homes, education and therapeutic services for children and young people who have experienced trauma, adversity and disrupted relationships. We focus on creating safe, nurturing and playful environments where children and young people can develop life skills, grow in confidence, enjoy new opportunities and feel a genuine sense of belonging.
About the Role
Some children and young people grow up without stability, trust or adults who consistently support them. As a Residential Care Worker, you will play an important role in helping change that. This is a role where you can make a meaningful difference, supporting young people to feel safe, build confidence, develop independence and believe in themselves. You will support the emotional, social, behavioural and educational needs of children and young people living in our homes and, at times, within our school environment. You will contribute to care plans, daily routines and meaningful experiences that promote stability, confidence and positive outcomes.
A Professional Career in Residential Care
We see residential care as a skilled and purposeful profession, where people can build long‑term, meaningful careers. What matters most to us is your values, your motivation to learn, and your commitment to building positive relationships with young people. You do not need previous residential care experience to apply. We welcome applicants with transferable experience from a wide range of backgrounds, including but not limited to the following:
- Armed forces or uniformed services
- Youth work or community roles
- Education support or SEN settings
- Nursery, early years or childcare
- Sports coaching or mentoring
- Prison, probation or secure services
If you bring resilience, compassion and a willingness to learn, we will support you to develop the specialist skills required for residential childcare.
Key Responsibilities
As a Senior Residential Care Worker, you will:
- In the absence of the Registered Manager/Deputy Registered Managers, ensure staff work in accordance with the home’s Statement of Purpose and relevant policies.
- Be responsible for the implementation of Local Authority Child Protection Procedures and Foundation policies on safeguarding the welfare of children and young people.
- Ensure care planning and reviewing of children/young people’s cases take place in accordance with Foundation instructions and relevant legislation.
- Ensure children/young people receive appropriate assessment periods and additional support during crises.
- Ensure children and young people carry appropriate responsibility for their own lives and involve them in planning.
- Direct staff in regular individual assessment programmes and ensure continuity of activity.
What Kind of Person We’re Looking For
We’re looking for people who are:
- Compassionate, resilient and emotionally aware
- Calm and grounded in challenging situations
- Able to build respectful and supportive relationships
- Open to learning and continual professional development
- Reliable, trustworthy and consistent
- Positive role models for young people
- Able to work collaboratively as part of a team
Essential Requirements
You will need to have:
- A good standard of education and the ability to produce clear written records
- A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (if not already held)
- 2 years experience in childcare
- A genuine interest in supporting children and young people to achieve positive outcomes
- A full UK driving licence
- The right to work in the UK
- The ability to work shifts, including weekends and sleep‑ins
Career Development & Progression
We believe in developing and promoting our people. With the right support, training and commitment, this role offers genuine opportunities for progression within residential care and beyond. You will have access to funded qualifications, ongoing training and regular supervision.
What We Can Give You
- 28 days’ holiday (including bank holidays), rising to 30 days after 3 years
- Competitive salary with sleep‑in payments included
- Pension scheme with up to 5% employer contribution
- Health cashback scheme (covering you and up to four children)
- Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing support
- Access to retail, food and entertainment discounts
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme and will‑writing service
- Free onsite parking
- Refer‑a‑friend bonus scheme
- Funded Level 5 qualifications
- Ongoing training in therapeutic and trauma‑informed practice
- Regular supervision and support
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued, respected and able to be themselves. We welcome applications from people of all ages, cultures and lived experiences who share our commitment to helping children build brighter futures.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you’re ready to build a meaningful career where you can positively impact the lives of young people, we’d love to hear from you. Please click Apply to be redirected to our website. The Caldecott Foundation is committed to safeguarding children. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check in line with safer recruitment guidelines.
Senior Residential Care Worker in Hythe employer: The Caldecott Foundation
At The Caldecott Foundation, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. Located in Ashford, Kent, we offer fully funded qualifications, clear career progression opportunities, and a supportive work culture that values compassion and resilience. With competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and a range of employee benefits, including a health cashback plan and discounts, we are committed to fostering a rewarding and fulfilling career for our Residential Care Workers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Residential Care Worker in Hythe
✨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 The Caldecott Foundation.
✨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 The Caldecott Foundation!
✨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 The Caldecott Foundation, 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 The Caldecott Foundation 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 Senior Residential Care Worker in Hythe
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 The Caldecott Foundation:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Caldecott Foundation! 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 The Caldecott Foundation
✨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.
