Most care roles leave you emotionally drained and undervalued. But this one is different: you'll work with a small team in a beautiful countryside setting, using trauma-informed practice to genuinely change young people's lives - with rotas planned in advance, free meals on shift, and the breathing space to do the work that matters. If you've got experience in residential care and a real passion for helping 8 to 18 year olds flourish, this could be the role that restores your faith in the sector
Picture yourself at Woodside Farm, a beautifully renovated home set in the countryside, working with just two young people at a time over a carefully structured 12-week assessment placement. You're not just managing behaviour; you're part of a trauma-informed team helping each young person heal emotionally and discover what they're truly capable of. The work is intense but purposeful - every shift builds trust, and every small victory counts
Your days combine therapeutic care with real adventure: you'll plan outdoor activities, creative projects and life-skills work that genuinely engage young people. You're a positive role model, helping them build confidence and resilience in a safe, nurturing environment where they can actually be themselves. The team around you - passionate, supportive, and genuinely collaborative - makes all the difference
This is a temporary role covering maternity leave, but it could become permanent for the right person. You'll work 4 days on, 6 days off with sleep nights, giving you real recovery time between rotations. Rotas are given in advance, so you can actually plan your life. Free food while you're on shift, a birthday day off on top of your holiday, access to a Peak District holiday home, casual dress code - these aren't fancy perks, they're genuine respect for the labour you give
The training and development here are serious. You'll get comprehensive induction and ongoing accredited training through the Bild Association, plus genuine career progression - this provider had over 100 internal promotions last year. An Employee Assistance Programme, online GP access, healthcare discounts and rewards are all there to back you up
What you will be doing
- Provide high-quality therapeutic care to young people aged 8 to 18 in a residential setting, using a trauma-informed, person-centred approach
- Plan and lead engaging activities - outdoor adventures, creative projects, life-skills work - that build confidence and resilience
- Create a safe, nurturing and fun environment where young people can process their experiences and start to heal
- Be a consistent, positive role model and supportive presence in the young people's daily lives
- Work collaboratively with the team to contribute to a 12-week assessment that helps determine each young person's next steps and support needs
Why you will love working here
- £40,464 to £42,804 per annum (based on your qualifications and experience), plus enhanced pay rates for overtime and bank holidays
- 4 days on, 6 days off with sleep nights - rotas given in advance so you can actually breathe between shifts
- Free meals while you're on shift, a birthday day off in addition to holiday, and free access to a Peak District holiday home
- Comprehensive accredited training (Bild Association) and genuine career development - over 100 internal promotions last year shows this provider backs people who want to grow
- Employee Assistance Programme, online GP access, healthcare, cashback, discounts and staff rewards app - real support beyond the pay packet
Is this you?
- Are you experienced in children's residential care? (we'd love to see that on your CV)
- Do you hold a Level 3 (or above) diploma in residential childcare, or equivalent experience in care, education, mental health support or youth activities?
- Can you offer a full UK driving licence - it's essential for this countryside location
- Are you genuinely interested in outdoor and adventure activities and keen to facilitate them with young people?
- Are you 21 or over, with full right to work in the UK and a commitment to safeguarding and therapeutic, person-centred values?
- Do you align with a trauma-informed approach and believe every young person deserves fair, balanced care regardless of background or need?
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.