At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and care for children aged 7 to 17 in a residential setting.
- Company: Wakefield Council, dedicated to transforming lives through quality childcare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, training opportunities, and employee support programmes.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with clear career progression and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in vulnerable children's lives while growing your own career.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed; just a caring attitude and good communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Working in Residential Childcare at Wakefield Council 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.
Who we’re looking for:
- 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
Roles available:
Wakefield is ambitious for children and has adopted an innovative approach throughout its residential model. We are seeking to appoint a suitably skilled, motivated and caring Children’s Residential Worker, to work with and support children and young people aged between 7 to 17 years. 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, which 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.
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
- 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
What our children say:
I love my carers. They mean the world to me. My carers care about my family as well.
What our colleagues say:
The Head of Service has worked every role and is always supportive. Achievements are celebrated and everyone is heard. We strive for positive outcomes. The team I work in is amazing. Being part of the change and seeing the outcomes is the best. Helping make a difference in young people’s lives that lasts a lifetime. Every day is a new opportunity to make a difference for someone.
Why Wakefield?
Wakefield Council is setting the standard for residential childcare. With nearly half of our children’s homes rated Outstanding and the rest Good, we’re proud to be recognised nationally for our commitment to quality, innovation, and staff wellbeing. We don’t just support children—we support the people who care for them. From monthly wellbeing consultations to a hybrid Learning Academy and clear career progression routes, we’re building a workforce that’s skilled, supported, and inspired.
- 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
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
About Wakefield Council:
Wakefield Council is a stable, ambitious, and well-run authority with a strong reputation for delivering excellent services. We’re proud to be part of a district of over 350,000 people, with a diverse mix of city, urban, and rural communities. We’re one of five metropolitan councils in West Yorkshire and part of the thriving Leeds City Region. Our £8 billion economy is driven by strengths in health and care, manufacturing, logistics, and the arts. We’re home to 10,000 local businesses, two Super League rugby teams, and nationally recognised cultural attractions like the Hepworth Gallery and Yorkshire Sculpture Park. With 70% greenbelt land and 16 nature reserves, Wakefield is a fantastic place to live and work.
Shift times:
Alternate weekend working. A combination of: Earlies – 7am‑3pm, Lates 2pm‑10pm, Sleep ins, Double shift including sleep in.
Contact person name and email/phone:
Debbie Brown 07345111495
To apply please click the Apply Now link below.
Residential Worker (Casual) in Wakefield employer: Wakefield Council
Wakefield Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees. As an Employment Specialist, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community by helping residents with learning disabilities or previous offending backgrounds secure sustainable employment. With competitive salaries, generous benefits, and hybrid working options, Wakefield Council fosters an environment where employees can thrive and grow professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Worker (Casual) in Wakefield
✨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.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions. Think about how you would handle specific scenarios with children in care. Show your emotional intelligence and resilience—these are key traits they’re looking for!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Worker (Casual) in Wakefield
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 read the job description carefully and highlight how your skills and experiences match what we're looking for. Show us why you're the perfect fit for the role of Residential Worker!
Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate a well-structured application. Use clear language and keep your sentences short and to the point. This helps us understand your qualifications quickly and easily.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward—just click the 'Apply Now' link!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wakefield Council
✨Show Your Caring Side
When interviewing for a Residential Worker position, it's crucial to demonstrate your warmth and nurturing nature. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your ability to connect with children and young people, showing that you genuinely care about their wellbeing.
✨Communicate Clearly
Good communication skills are essential in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Use examples from your past experiences where effective communication helped build trust or resolve conflicts, especially in challenging situations.
✨Highlight Resilience
Working with vulnerable children can be tough, so it's important to convey your resilience. Prepare to discuss how you've handled difficult situations in the past, focusing on your problem-solving skills and commitment to making a difference in their lives.
✨Research Wakefield Council
Familiarise yourself with Wakefield Council's approach to residential childcare. Understanding their values and innovative practices will not only impress your interviewers but also help you align your answers with their mission of providing loving homes for children.
