Most care roles feel transactional: clock in, clock out, hope you made a difference. This one is different because you'll be part of a team that's been actively changing lives since 2002, working with young people aged up to 18 with autism, ADHD and learning disabilities who need genuine mentors, not just supervisors. If you've got your Level 3 and real children's home experience under your belt, and you want to build something meaningful while earning up to £38,272 a year, read on
You'll be shaping the daily environment for young people with mild to moderate learning disabilities, many of whom communicate non-verbally or through Makaton and PECs. Your job is to help create safety, stability and real learning moments - the kind that stick with them. You'll be the steady presence that helps them trust adults again, engage with education, and feel genuinely looked after
The home operates on a rolling rota (07:30am to 23:00pm shifts, with sleep-ins required), which means variety and real flexibility - no two weeks are identical. That matters because you're not just managing a shift; you're part of a small team where everyone knows the young people deeply and works together to carry the home's values every single day
This provider invests in you. You get funded Level 4 Apprenticeship training, therapeutic training for all staff, competitive overtime at plus £3.50 per hour, 224 hours annual leave, bank holidays at double pay, and access to an employee wellbeing service. There's a real pathway for career progression, monthly recognition awards, and a referral scheme that pays up to £500 if you bring someone brilliant through the door
What you will be doing
- Creating and maintaining a positive, safe environment for each young person, with close attention to their health, safety and educational progress
- Delivering residential childcare in line with Ofsted Regulations and the Quality Care Standards, representing the home as a skilled professional every day
- Engaging authentically with young people - using your knowledge of autism, ADHD, non-verbal communication and Makaton or PECs to meet them where they are
- Working a rotating shift pattern (07:30am to 23:00pm) including sleep-in shifts on a rota basis, and helping to embed the home's ethos and values across all your time with the young people
Why you will love working here
- Up to £38,272 per year (salary depends on your qualifications and undertaking 8 sleep-ins per month), plus incentivised overtime at £3.50 per hour and £65 per sleep-in shift
- 224 hours annual leave, bank holidays at double pay, 3% employer pension contribution, and free DBS check
- Funded Level 4 Apprenticeship and therapeutic training for all staff, so you're genuinely developing your skills and career
- Employee wellbeing service, food available on shift, store discount, monthly recognition awards and a referral scheme worth up to £500
- Permanent, full-time role with a provider that's been changing lives for over two decades and invests in real career progression for all roles
Is this you?
- You've got your Level 3 Diploma in Children's Residential Care and at least one year of real experience working in a children's home
- You hold a valid manual UK or EU driving licence (essential for this role)
- You have working knowledge of supporting young people with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities and non-verbal communication - experience with Makaton or PECs is desirable
- You're committed to positive change in young people's lives and bring genuine warmth alongside professional practice; you understand safeguarding and work to Ofsted standards without needing to be chased
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.