At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children aged 9-17 in a nurturing residential environment.
- Company: Wakefield Council, dedicated to transforming lives through exceptional childcare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, training opportunities, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with clear progression pathways and a focus on wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in vulnerable children's lives while growing your own career.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed; just bring your warmth and commitment.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 € per year.
Working in Residential Childcare at Wakefield Council as a Recovery Support Worker is more than just a job. It is a chance to change lives and transform your own future. Every child deserves a safe, loving home and positive experiences that set them up for life. That’s why residential childcare is so important, and why we’re looking for people who care.
This role provides a rare opportunity to work in one of our specialist homes, working collaboratively with the NHS to deliver therapeutic, recovery-focused care for children with complex needs. Since opening three years ago, our home has consistently been rated Outstanding by Ofsted, highlighting our strong, child-centred and therapeutic approach.
Salary for Recovery Workers: Inclusive of allowances and on-costs, earn up to £50,483.55.
Who We’re Looking For: We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from a wide variety of backgrounds. However, due to the nature of this particular role, for reasons of privacy and decency, working with boys and young men in a residential care setting, it is an occupational requirement for applicants for this role to be male. You don’t need a degree or formal qualifications to start. We welcome people from all walks of life who are:
- Warm, nurturing, and emotionally intelligent
- Enthusiastic and self‑motivated with good communication skills
- Great at building trusting relationships
- Resilient and committed to making a difference
- Equipped with transferable skills from other careers or life experiences
Wakefield is ambitious for children and has adopted an innovative approach throughout its residential model.
Role Overview: We are seeking to appoint a suitably skilled, motivated and caring Recovery Support Worker, to work with and support children and young people aged between 9 to 17 years old. There are times when children and young people in care require additional support to manage complex trauma. Placements of a warm, supportive and homely feel are hard to find, and this can result in multiple placement breakdowns before a suitable placement that can contain risk and manage social and emotional needs is found. The result of this leads to young people who are most vulnerable being placed a long way from home and not always achieving the best outcomes. We provide loving homes for children to remain in Wakefield and only receive the best possible care.
Benefits: In addition to your salary, you will receive:
- Weekend Allowance
- Shift allowance
- Enhanced Bank holiday and weekend pay
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Competitive salary with yearly increments
- Funding for Diploma level 4 apprenticeship
- Employee Assisted Programme
- Access to OHU Pay and Benefits
We know that attracting and keeping great people means offering more than just job satisfaction. That’s why we provide competitive rates of pay and a benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, career, and lifestyle.
- Competitive salaries aligned with your role and experience
- 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising with service
- Essential car user allowance (where applicable)
- Blue Light Card for discounts across retail, leisure, and travel
- Generous pension scheme with employer contributions
- Excellent commuter links across Yorkshire
Training and Development: Our people are our greatest strength. We believe that when you grow, so does the impact you make—and that’s why we’re committed to investing in your development from day one. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take the next step, we offer structured, supported pathways to help you build a rewarding career in residential childcare.
- Level 3 Diploma / Level 4 Apprenticeship in Residential Childcare
- Mandatory and specialist training tailored to your role
- Access to fully funded Social Worker Apprenticeships for internal candidates
About our Children and Young People’s Service: Wakefield’s Children’s Services are Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ in children’s social care, and we’re proud of our transformation journey. We’ve created a culture where good practice is celebrated, and staff are supported to grow and thrive.
- Small, stable teams with manageable caseloads
- Strong multi‑agency partnerships and co‑located teams
- Dedicated Learning Academy and bespoke training
- Clear progression pathways and leadership development
- Emotional Wellbeing Team
Recovery Support Worker employer: Wakefield Council
Wakefield Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people within a supportive and nurturing environment. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave and training opportunities, we foster a culture where staff can thrive and grow. Join us in our mission to provide outstanding care and support for vulnerable children in Wakefield, where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Recovery Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Wakefield Council and their approach to residential childcare. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with them during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Recovery Support Workers on LinkedIn or local community groups. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to emotional intelligence and resilience. Think of examples from your life where you've made a positive impact, as these stories will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and making a difference in the lives of children and young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Recovery Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you passionate about working with children.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Recovery Support Worker role. Highlight any relevant skills or experiences that show how you can make a difference in the lives of children and young people.
Show Your Enthusiasm:We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about the role! Use your application to express why you want to work in residential childcare and how you can contribute to our positive environment.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly, and we can’t wait to read what you have to say.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wakefield Council
✨Know Your Why
Before heading into the interview, take a moment to reflect on why you want to be a Recovery Support Worker. Think about your passion for helping children and how your personal experiences can contribute to their recovery. This genuine motivation will shine through in your answers.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare specific examples that highlight your emotional intelligence, resilience, and ability to build trusting relationships. Think of situations where you've successfully supported someone in need or navigated challenging circumstances. These stories will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Understand the Role
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Recovery Support Worker, especially the therapeutic and recovery-focused care aspect. Research Wakefield Council’s approach and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their outstanding service and support the children’s needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions. Inquire about the training opportunities, team dynamics, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
