Most care roles feel like you're drowning in paperwork and short-staffed chaos, watching young people slip through the cracks. This one is different: you'll step into a leadership position where you actually get to shape how a home runs, mentor your team, and build real, lasting relationships with the young people in your care. If you've got the experience and the heart to lead by example, this role could be the next chapter that matters
Picture yourself working in a home where children and young people who've experienced real trauma actually feel safe and belong. You're not just reacting to crises or ticking boxes - you're actively building a nurturing environment where young people develop life skills, grow in confidence, and start to believe in themselves. That's the work you'll do here, and it shapes futures
As a Senior Residential Care Worker, you'll work closely with the Registered Manager to contribute to assessments, care planning and the real day-to-day decisions that matter. You'll lead your team by example, guiding colleagues in trauma-informed practice and ensuring consistent, high-quality support right across the home. This isn't a paper title - it's genuine responsibility and genuine impact
The organisation behind this role has been building safe, nurturing homes for over 110 years. They're serious about supporting their staff too: funded qualifications up to master's level, a health cashback scheme that covers you and up to four children, pension with employer contributions, an Employee Assistance Programme, and genuine career development. You'll work a rota including sleep-in duties, with the security of knowing you're part of a team that invests in your growth
What you will be doing
- Support the Registered Manager and Deputies with the day-to-day running of the home and lead the staff team to maintain high standards of care and safeguarding
- Contribute to assessments, care planning and reviewing young people's needs, communicating effectively with families, colleagues and external professionals
- Provide consistent support to young people during times of stress or crisis, maintaining a safe, nurturing and positive home environment
- Transport young people to activities and appointments by driving Foundation vehicles, helping them access the opportunities that matter
- Guide and support colleagues in trauma-informed, child-centred practice, leading by example in how you build trusting relationships with the young people in your care
Why you will love working here
- Salary of £33,273.24 to £43,797.00 including 2 sleep-in payments per week, on either a 39-hour or 45-hour contract depending on your choice
- 28 days' holiday rising to 30 days after 3 years, plus a health cashback scheme covering you and up to four children
- Funded career development including qualifications up to master's level, a pension scheme with up to 5% employer contributions, and genuine pathways to progress
- Wellbeing support through an Employee Assistance Programme, retail and food discounts, cycle-to-work scheme, and will writing service - the kind of support that says your team cares about your whole life
Is this you?
- Is this you: you've got a Level 3 Diploma in the relevant care provider qualification (or equivalent) and proven experience working in a children's residential setting?
- You've led or supported groups of children or young people before, and you genuinely understand trauma and how it shapes behaviour and relationships
- You're calm and reflective in challenging situations, with strong communication and teamwork skills that make colleagues and young people feel heard
- You hold a full driving licence and you're ready to work a rota including sleep-in duties (you'll earn 2 sleep-in payments per week as part of your package)
- You're committed to inclusive, child-centred practice and you believe that diversity in the workforce means better care for the young people you support
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.