Most care jobs in London feel like you're treading water: low pay, burnt-out teams, and nowhere real to grow. This home is different. We're looking for someone who actually wants to build a career supporting young people through the hardest years of their lives, not just clock in and out
You'll be working in a children's residential home in Plaistow where the team genuinely invests in each young person. These aren't crisis placements or revolving doors: you'll build real relationships, see progress, and know that your presence made a concrete difference in someone's week. The kind of work that stays with you
This home runs on proper staffing levels and a culture where you're not drowning in paperwork or covering gaps. You'll have time to actually do the job well: sitting with a young person who's struggling, spotting patterns, celebrating wins, and showing up consistently. That's what keeps people in residential care long-term, and it's what this provider has built
Training and development aren't afterthoughts here. You'll work towards and maintain a Level 3 Diploma in the provider (or equivalent), plus specialist qualifications in safeguarding, MAPA, and first aid. The home values people who want to grow, and they'll support you to do it. This is where you build a real career, not just fill shifts
What you will be doing
- Provide day-to-day residential support to young people, supervising activities, meals, homework and leisure time across day shifts, waking night shifts and sleep-ins as required
- Build trusting relationships with the young people in the home, being present during difficult moments and supporting them through challenging behaviour with patience and skill
- Follow Ofsted Quality Standards in everything you do: safeguarding, record-keeping, consistency, and maintaining the home as a safe, stimulating space
- Work closely with the team to plan individualised support, attend handovers and meetings, and communicate clearly about each young person's progress and needs
Why you will love working here
- Competitive salary with structured progression as you gain experience and qualifications
- Access to training in safeguarding, MAPA and first aid, plus support to complete or maintain your Level 3 qualification
- A home that runs properly staffed, so you're not covering shortfalls and you have time to do good work
- Flexibility across day shifts, waking night shifts, weekends and sleep-ins, tailored to what works for your life
- A team that values people who stay, invest in their team members, and actually care about the young people they support
Is this you?
- You hold a Level 3 Diploma in the provider or an equivalent qualification (or you're actively studying for one)
- You have experience working in a children's residential care setting, and you can talk honestly about what you've learned from supporting young people through tough times
- You're reliable, calm under pressure, and genuinely interested in safeguarding: you understand what it means in practice and you're willing to undergo a full DBS check
- You can commit to the rota we need: day shifts, waking nights, weekends and sleep-ins as required, and you can reliably commute to Plaistow, East London (E13)
- You're hungry to develop: you'll engage with ongoing training, reflective practice, and the chance to become skilled in de-escalation, trauma-informed care and supporting vulnerable young people
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.