Most care work feels like you're firefighting: shift to shift, problem to problem, never quite making a real difference. This role is different. You'll be the steady, trusted adult in a traumatised young person's life - the one who helps them believe things can change, and then watches them actually change
You'll work 48-hour shifts with the same children and young people, which means you actually get to know them. You'll see the patterns, spot the wins, build the kind of real relationship that makes a traumatised kid feel safe enough to let their guard down. That's not just care work; that's mentoring and corporate parenting rolled into one. You'll help them get to education, master basic self-care, try new things outdoors, and navigate the big and small crises that come up. Some days you're their cheerleader; some days you're the calm voice when they're dysregulated. Both matter enormously
The home invests properly in staff. You get a full induction, shadow shifts so you're never thrown in the deep end, conflict management and physical intervention training so you can handle challenging behaviour safely and fairly, and regular supervisions to process what you see and grow in the role. Medication training is provided too, so you're never out of your depth
You won't be alone. This is 1-1 or 2-1 working depending on need, which means you have the backup and breathing space that makes this kind of work sustainable. You'll be accountable to the home Manager and Senior Management Team - people who know the territory and respect what you do
What you will be doing
- Be the consistent, trusted adult in young people's lives who help them process trauma and build confidence through everyday moments and structured support
- Manage 48-hour shifts: receive handovers, identify concerns and successes, and provide day-to-day guidance on education, self-care, activities (including outdoor pursuits) and emotional wellbeing
- Handle the real tasks: complete paperwork, manage household chores, chaperone to appointments and activities, and administer medication (with full training)
- Set firm, fair boundaries; use agreed incentives; and employ de-escalation and physical intervention techniques when challenging behaviour arises
- Organise and lead activities and outings, ensuring risk assessments are completed and young people develop healthy lifestyles, educational progress and positive peer connections
Why you will love working here
- Full induction and shadow shifts so you're never left to figure it out alone; conflict management and physical intervention training from day one
- Regular supervisions with people who understand the work and want to see you grow and stay well
- 1-1 or 2-1 working, which means sustainable shifts and proper support when things get tough
- A role where you see the impact directly: real relationships with real young people, real progress, real reasons to come back
Is this you?
- You have a genuine desire to be a positive role model and corporate parent - someone who believes these young people's lives can improve and will show up consistently to prove it
- You're comfortable with physical and emotional labour; you can stay calm when a traumatised teenager is dysregulated and respond with firmness and compassion at the same time
- You're willing to learn: conflict management, physical intervention, medication administration, and the individual needs of each child or young person in your care
- You can work 48-hour shifts and commit to the rota required by a residential home; you understand handovers, supervisions and paperwork are part of the job, not a distraction from it
- You have experience in care, education, youth work or a similar field where you've supported vulnerable young people - or you're bringing genuine transferable skills and a hunger to develop them in this context
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.