Most care jobs feel like you're just ticking boxes and getting by on minimal pay. But this role in Derby is different: you'll be part of a team that actually invests in you, pays you £26,000, and gives you the space and support to help young people transform their lives. If you've got the passion and at least a year's experience in residential care, this could be the break you've been waiting for
Imagine walking into work knowing exactly what you're there to do: create a safe, nurturing home where young people feel seen, supported, and able to grow. You're not managing crisis after crisis in an understaffed setting. You're part of a caring professional team where your contribution actually matters, where behavioural strategies make sense because you've got time to implement them properly, and where the young people in your care are genuinely getting better
The work is real and it's demanding. You'll be implementing care plans, supporting emotional wellbeing, encouraging education and hobbies, and keeping meticulous records. But you won't be doing it alone or unsupported. The team here values what you bring, and they're committed to your growth: you'll get ongoing training and professional development to work towards your Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People's Workforce, with proper support every step of the way
This home is serious about career progression. They're not treating this as a revolving-door job. If you prove yourself, there's genuine scope to move upwards and build a real career in residential childcare, not just bounce between placements
What you will be doing
- Provide high-quality day-to-day care and genuine emotional support to young people, building trust and stability in a home environment
- Implement individualised care plans and behavioural strategies that actually work, because you have the time and team support to do it properly
- Champion education, hobbies and community activities, helping young people discover interests and build confidence outside the home
- Keep accurate records, attend team meetings and care reviews, and contribute your frontline insight to how the service develops
- Work within safeguarding procedures and promote positive relationships that help young people develop independence and personal growth
Why you will love working here
- £26,000 per annum: proper pay that reflects the value of the work you do
- Ongoing training and professional development to get your Level 3 Diploma and keep growing your skills
- A supportive team environment where your contribution is genuinely valued and you're not left to cope alone
- Real career progression opportunities within the organisation: this is a place where good staff move upwards
- Workplace offers and perks through the Bright Exchange scheme to help stretch your salary further
Is this you?
- You've got at least 1 year's experience working in residential childcare and you know what good looks like
- You're willing to work towards your Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People's Workforce (or equivalent) and you're genuinely keen to develop
- You hold a full UK driving licence
- You're a strong communicator and problem-solver who thrives as part of a team, not someone who needs to work solo
- You've got real compassion for young people and a genuine commitment to helping them thrive, not just survive
Applications close on 12 October 2026. Great roles like this are filled quickly, so the sooner you apply the better.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.