Most residential care jobs feel like you're holding back a tide with a teaspoon. But this role is different: you'll walk into a home where the young people's progress actually matters, where your skills are developed systematically, and where you're paid properly for sleep-ins and waking nights. If you're dynamic, motivational and ready to be the adult these young people have been waiting for, read on
Picture yourself in a home where five to seventeen-year-olds with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties start to trust again because you're consistent, genuinely invested, and know how to meet them where they are. You're not just managing behaviour; you're building the safety and security that lets real development happen. That's the work that matters
The home runs to strict Ofsted standards and company expectations you can actually believe in. You'll be part of an established team across multiple locations, which means real peer support, shared learning, and colleagues who get what you're doing. Professional development isn't a buzzword here: there are genuine pathways into residential, education, social work, training and therapy roles
The money reflects the reality of the job too. Base salary upwards of £32,000 including sleepovers and waking nights allowances, overtime rates above basic hours, sleep-ins paid even on holiday, and a length of service bonus that rewards your loyalty. Finish your L3 diploma and there's a bonus waiting. Stay longer and you earn extra holidays. This is how a serious employer treats serious care workers
What you will be doing
- Create and maintain a safe, secure, positive environment for looked after young people aged 5-17 who are navigating significant social, emotional and behavioural challenges
- Work sleep-ins and waking nights as part of a flexible rota, supporting young people through quieter hours and being the steady presence they rely on
- Contribute continuously to improving the home's quality, image and reputation with the young people and wider community, working to both company standards and Ofsted regulations
- Build relationships with each young person that enable their progress, using dynamic and motivational approaches tailored to individual needs
Why you will love working here
- Salary upwards of £32,000 with sleep-ins and waking nights built into your pay package, plus overtime rates for hours above the basic rota
- A full training package from day one, with a bonus waiting when you complete your L3 diploma, and salary open to discussion if you already hold that qualification
- Flexible working patterns designed to work with your life, plus additional holidays that grow with your length of service
- Real career pathways into residential, education, social work, training or therapy roles, plus an employee referral bonus scheme if you bring good people into the team
Is this you?
- You're over 21 and hold a full UK driving licence (essential for this role)
- You've got the energy and warmth to be genuinely motivational with young people who've had rough starts, and you actually want to show them what's possible
- You're comfortable with a flexible working pattern that includes sleep-ins and waking nights as part of the rota
- You're willing to develop yourself: ideally you're working towards or already hold an L3 qualification in children and young people's residential care, or you're committed to getting there
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.