Care Officer (Residential Child Care)

We are looking for a passionate, compassionate, and dedicated Care Officer to join our Residential Child Care team. As a Care Officer, you will play a vital role in providing direct care and support to children and young people in a residential setting, ensuring their emotional, physical, and social needs are met in a safe and nurturing environment. You will work alongside other care professionals to help children who may have experienced trauma, neglect, or other challenges, empowering them to achieve their full potential.

You will be responsible for providing a structured and supportive environment, assisting with daily routines, and encouraging positive behaviour. Your role will involve building trusting relationships, promoting a sense of security, and acting as a positive role model for the children and young people in your care.

Key Responsibilities:

Providing Direct Care and Support:

Provide a safe, nurturing, and structured environment for children and young people in the residential care setting.

Assist with personal care routines where needed, including helping with hygiene, dressing, and mealtimes.

Support children and young people with their emotional needs, offering a calm, consistent approach to help them manage their feelings and behaviour.

Help with the development and implementation of individual care plans, ensuring that the care needs of each child are met.

Encourage positive behaviours, supporting children to make good choices and take responsibility for their actions.

Promoting Personal Development:

Support children with educational and recreational activities, ensuring that they are engaged in age-appropriate learning and leisure opportunities.

Provide guidance and emotional support to children and young people to help them build self-esteem, social skills, and independence.

Help children set personal goals, encouraging their progress in areas such as education, social skills, and life skills.

Support children in developing healthy habits, such as maintaining hygiene, taking part in exercise, and engaging in activities that promote well-being.

Supporting Care Plans and Risk Management:

Contribute to the development and regular review of individual care plans, ensuring they are up-to-date and reflect the needs of the child or young person.

Monitor and assess the progress of children in relation to their care plans, reporting any concerns to the line manager or senior staff.

Implement risk management strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of children and staff within the residential setting.

Ensure the appropriate use of de-escalation techniques and other behaviour management strategies, responding to challenging behaviour in a calm and professional manner.

Safeguarding and Compliance:

Adhere to all safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring that any concerns regarding the safety or welfare of a child or young person are reported immediately.

Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the role, ensuring that sensitive information about the children in care is handled appropriately.

Follow and uphold all relevant legislation, including the Children Act 1989, Care Standards Act, and other relevant child protection and care regulations.

Participate in regular training and development to ensure compliance with national standards for residential child care.

Collaboration and Communication:

Work closely with other care team members, social workers, therapists, and external professionals to ensure a holistic approach to each child’s care.

Attend team meetings, case reviews, and other multi-disciplinary meetings as required.

Develop positive relationships with children, their families (if applicable), and other stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.

Provide regular feedback to the Residential Care Manager and contribute to care planning meetings and reviews.

Record-Keeping and Reporting:

Maintain accurate records of care provided, including observations, incidents, and changes in the child’s behaviour or emotional well-being.

Complete incident reports and ensure that all necessary documentation is completed in line with organisational procedures.

Ensure that all information relating to the child is kept confidential and stored securely in line with data protection regulations.

A minimum of an NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care (Children and Young People), or equivalent qualification (or willingness to work towards this qualification).

Experience working with children and young people in a residential or care setting (or similar environment, such as youth work or education).

Knowledge of child development, safeguarding procedures, and relevant legislation (e.g., the Children Act 1989, Children and Families Act 2014).

Understanding of the challenges children and young people may face, including trauma, abuse, and neglect, and how these affect their development and behaviour.

Ability to engage with children and young people in a positive, empathetic, and non-judgmental manner.

Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to complete reports and case notes accurately.

A commitment to professional development and the ability to work as part of a team.