Residential Care Worker

Our client provides a therapeutic residential service focused on achieving long-term positive outcomes for children through a specialist “Prep4Fostering” model. This service supports children who are currently in residential care or experiencing foster placement instability, helping them transition successfully into a family environment. As a Residential Care Worker, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality, child-centred care within a safe, nurturing, and structured setting. You will support children to explore their emotions, build resilience, and develop the skills needed to integrate into a stable family placement. The home supports children aged 5–12 years and offers a structured, therapeutic environment with full training and ongoing professional support.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of the home’s Statement of Purpose and therapeutic care model.
• Create a safe, nurturing, and homely environment that promotes emotional wellbeing.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with children to support attachment and development.
• Act as a positive role model, encouraging appropriate behaviour and social skills.
• Implement individual care plans and contribute to their ongoing review.
• Maintain consistent boundaries to provide safety and stability.
• Promote children’s self-esteem, identity, and sense of belonging.
• Observe, monitor, and record children’s behaviours and progress.
• Safeguard children by identifying and responding to any concerns appropriately.
• Support children’s education, including homework and school engagement.
• Encourage participation in activities that promote development and wellbeing.

Therapeutic and Multi-Agency Working

• Work collaboratively with psychologists and clinical professionals to support therapeutic outcomes.
• Liaise effectively with external agencies, including schools and social workers.
• Participate in care planning meetings and reviews.
• Support children in preparing for and transitioning into foster placements.
• Engage with prospective carers to aid successful integration into family settings.

Teamwork and Communication

• Work as part of a supportive staff team, contributing to a positive working environment.
• Attend and participate in team meetings and supervision sessions.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and professionals.
• Act flexibly to meet the needs of the service and children.

Household Responsibilities

• Contribute to maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming home environment.
• Participate in daily household tasks and routines.
• Take responsibility for the care of the home, including equipment and resources.
• Follow health and safety policies and procedures at all times.

Personal and Professional Development

• Engage in ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Attend supervision, team meetings, and clinical sessions.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices in residential childcare.
• Adhere to safeguarding, equality, and whistleblowing policies.

Person Specification

• Passion for working with children and young people.
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
• Ability to build positive relationships and manage challenging behaviour.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to work shifts, including evenings and weekends.
• Previous experience in residential childcare or a similar setting.
• Relevant qualification (e.g. Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent).
• Understanding of trauma-informed or therapeutic care approaches.

Additional Information

• Full training and ongoing support will be provided.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is essential.
• The role requires flexibility to meet the needs of the children and service.