Most care jobs talk about making a difference, then leave you exhausted on a skeleton crew with no real support. This one is different: you'll work with a growing team that actually has the staffing levels to do this work properly, backed by genuine investment in your training and wellbeing. If you're someone who's ready to be a consistent, positive presence in children's lives while building a real career, this role could change everything
You'll be stepping into a home where children who display challenging behaviour, ADHD, autism and emotional difficulties get what they desperately need: a calm, consistent adult who believes in them. Your job is to help them feel safe enough to develop strategies, build self-esteem and genuinely move forward. That sounds heavy, but it isn't lonely work. You're part of a friendly, supportive team with proper staffing ratios and no agency cover, so everyone actually knows the children and works together
Every day looks different. One moment you're cooking a meal together and having a real conversation, the next you're organising an activity around their interests or helping them navigate a tricky moment with strategies they've learnt. You're also part of the practical rhythm of the home: cleaning, finances, reviewing how each child is progressing and recording what you notice. It's hands-on, real work that matters
The provider invests seriously in your development. You'll get a funded Level 3 Diploma (if you don't already have one), regular in-house training, and DDP Level 1 support to understand the children better. This isn't a box-ticking provider; it's a specialist organisation that knows good outcomes come from well-trained, confident staff. Within a residential team that actually values you, you'll grow into this work and build something genuine
What you will be doing
- Be a positive adult role model, showing children what safety, consistency and care look like day after day
- Create a nurturing environment where young people feel supported to develop emotionally, socially and physically, with real strategies to manage challenging moments
- Engage meaningfully with the children, helping them pursue their interests and running activities that build their confidence and wellbeing
- Share in the day-to-day running of the home: cooking, cleaning, managing finances alongside the team, so everything runs smoothly
- Notice and record changes in each child's needs, contributing to their care plans and reviewing progress with your team
Why you will love working here
- Salary up to £37,658.40 (51 hours across 4 and 3 long days fortnightly) or up to £32,489.60 (44 hours across 3 long days weekly), depending on experience and qualifications, plus £2,000 to £6,000 sleep-in allowance depending on your shifts
- Funded Level 3 Diploma and DDP Level 1 training to build your career and meet Ofsted requirements, with regular in-house training as standard
- Genuine benefits that recognise real life: all meals on shift, on-site parking, 5.6 weeks annual leave (rising with service), workplace pension, company sick pay, Rewards Gateway and Blue Light Card eligibility
- Work in a home with high staff-to-child ratios and no agency cover, so you're part of a stable team that knows these children well
- Discretionary rewards scheme (Amazon vouchers or cash) and a recommend-a-friend programme, because we value the people who make this work happen
Is this you?
- Are you compassionate and genuinely resilient? Can you stay calm when behaviour is challenging and see the young person behind it?
- Do you have experience supporting vulnerable children in a residential setting? It's advantageous but not essential, because we'll train you properly either way
- Can you commit to a residential rota that includes evenings, weekends and school holidays? This is real shift work, and we need people who can be consistent
- Do you hold a valid UK driving licence and have evidence of your right to work in the UK?
- Are you flexible, keen to learn and ready to be part of a team that puts children first? That matters more than a perfect CV
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.