Children's Residential Worker

Make a Difference Every Day

Are you passionate about supporting children and young people to achieve positive outcomes? We are looking for a committed, caring, and resilient Children's Residential Worker to join our dedicated team in our 2-bed children's home in Hemsworth.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people who have experienced trauma, adversity, and disruption. As part of a supportive outstanding team, you will help create a safe, nurturing, and stable home environment where young people can thrive.

About the Role

As a Children's Residential Worker, you will support children and young people aged 7-17 years to develop life skills, build positive relationships, achieve educational goals, and enjoy meaningful experiences.

You will work directly with young people on a day-to-day basis, providing care, guidance, encouragement, and emotional support in line with their individual care plans.

No two days are the same, and the role can be both challenging and highly rewarding. You will be part of a team committed to providing outstanding care and achieving the best possible outcomes for the children we support.

Key Responsibilities

• Build positive and trusting relationships with children and young people.
• Provide high-quality, child-centred care and support.
• Promote the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of children at all times.
• Support young people to attend and engage with education, training, and activities.
• Assist with daily living skills including cooking, budgeting, personal care, and household responsibilities.
• Encourage participation in hobbies, interests, and community activities.
• Support family time and maintain positive relationships where appropriate.
• Maintain accurate and professional written records, reports, and daily logs.
• Implement risk assessments, behaviour support strategies, and care plans.
• Participate in team meetings, training, and professional development opportunities.
• Work in accordance with safeguarding procedures, legislation, and organisational policies.

What Will Be Expected of Me?

• To act as a positive role model for children and young people.
• To promote a warm, nurturing, and structured home environment.
• To remain calm and resilient when supporting young people through challenging situations.
• To work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-in duties where required.
• To work collaboratively with colleagues, social workers, schools, families, and other professionals.
• To uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and professional practice.
• To demonstrate a commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.

Essential Requirements

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• Experience of working with children, young people, or vulnerable individuals.
• A genuine passion for supporting children and helping them achieve positive outcomes.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to remain calm, professional, and resilient under pressure.
• Good written and IT skills for recording and reporting information.
• An understanding of safeguarding and child-centred practice.
• Flexibility to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins where required.
• A full UK driving licence and access to suitable transport for work purposes.
• The ability to successfully complete an enhanced DBS check.

Desirable Requirements

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or willingness to work towards this qualification).
• Previous experience working within a children's residential setting.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice, attachment, and restorative approaches.

What can I expect?

• A competitive salary
• Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy up to 10 extra days of annual leave
• Hybrid working (subject to role suitability)
• Access to high-quality training programs to advance your career to the next level.
• We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff. We recognise that resilient teams need good work life balance as well as supportive leadership.
• Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), MetroCard).
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and a Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) scheme providing a tax efficient way to increase our pension.
• Great range of benefits including an Employee Assistant Programme, discounted membership to our excellent leisure facilities with free 12 weeks exercise program, discounts for a range of retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, a cycle to work scheme, and many more

If you are passionate about helping children and young people feel safe, valued, and supported, we would love to hear from you. Join us in providing a nurturing home where every child has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.

Want to know more?

If you would like to know more about the role, the recruitment process or working for Wakefield Council, feel free to contact.

Name: Laura Ellis

Tel: 07909374869

E-mail: lauraellis@wakefield.gov.uk

Join us and make a real impact in the community. Apply today to become a valued member of our team!

Safeguarding

Wakefield Council is wholly committed to ensuring children and vulnerable adults are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and vulnerable adults whilst promoting their welfare. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this responsibility.

DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service)

The successful applicant will be required to complete a Disclosure Application Form and to provide criminal conviction information.

Probation

In accordance with the Council Probation Procedure, this post is subject to a 6-month Probationary Period.

Fluency Duty

To comply with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), public facing roles will be subject to the Fluency Duty.

Diversity

Having a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve helps us to achieve the best outcomes for all. We encourage applications from everyone and actively seek to ensure that everyone feels included in the workplace so that we can make the most of our differences.

Why Wakefield

To find out more about the benefits of working at Wakefield Council, click here.