Most care roles leave you exhausted and invisible, managing crisis after crisis with no real leadership opportunity. This is different. We're recruiting a Senior Residential Care Worker to lead our night shifts, mentor a team of support workers, and be the steady, skilled presence that transforms how young people experience safety and stability
You'll be the leader on shift - the one who sets the tone, makes the call, and ensures every young person in the home has what they need to feel secure. This isn't just night-watch work; you're responsible for coaching and developing your team, cascading information, and making sure care standards stay excellent. You'll work closely with the management team to shape how the service runs, not just follow orders from above
The young people here have complex needs and difficult pasts. Your role is to build the relationships that help them heal. You'll be key worker or co-worker for some of them, following their care plans closely, advocating for them in meetings, helping them tackle the barriers that hold them back. You'll cook with them, support their education, help them connect with their community, reward the progress they make
This provider invests in their team. You'll receive training tailored to the role and keep your profile current. The shift pattern is demanding - early mornings, late evenings, sleep-ins (with additional payment), weekends and bank holidays on a rota, plus an on-call system - but this is what leadership in residential care actually looks like. You'll need a current driving licence and the readiness to sometimes flex your rota at short notice when the home needs you
What you will be doing
- Lead shifts and supervise Residential Child Care (Night) Support Workers, ensuring they have the information and direction to deliver excellent care aligned with legislation and inspection standards
- Coach, support and develop your team so their performance and potential are maximised and they meet contractual requirements
- Act as key worker or co-worker for young people, maintaining and amending care plans as their needs change, attending all relevant meetings and writing reports
- Provide one-to-one advice, emotional support and practical guidance to help young people address difficulties, build self-control, achieve goals and expand their social networks
- Maintain accurate records, help with practical household duties (cooking, cleaning, general maintenance), and model the positive, warm, unconditionally-regarding approach that helps young people feel secure
- Drive company vehicles as part of your duties (subject to current licence and procedures), and accept responsibility for health and safety across the home and team
Why you will love working here
- Additional payment on top of base salary for sleep-in duties - your time away from home is properly valued
- Real leadership responsibility: you'll shape how your team works and how young people experience the service, not just follow a shift checklist
- Training tailored to your role so you stay current, develop your skills and progress your career in residential care leadership
- A team that works collaboratively towards the same aims - regular meetings where your contribution matters, and a management team you'll work closely with to maintain excellent standards
Is this you?
- You have a current UK driving licence and will be asked to follow our procedures around driving company vehicles
- You're comfortable with rotating shifts including early mornings, late evenings, sleep-in duties, weekends and bank holidays, plus being part of an on-call rota. You can adapt your rota at short notice when the service needs it
- You have real experience in residential child care and the confidence to lead a team, coach other support workers and hold high standards even in the night hours when supervision matters most
- You understand child development, trauma-informed approaches and how to build relationships with young people who've experienced harm. You can balance firmness with warmth and advocate fiercely for their needs
- You're willing to learn, happy to receive and give feedback, and committed to maintaining an up-to-date training profile relevant to your role
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.