Residential Care Worker

Based in the historic county town of Shrewsbury, our established residential home provides high-quality, trauma-informed care for children and young people who have faced significant early adversity. We believe that every child deserves a secure, compassionate, and predictable environment where they can heal, grow, and achieve their full potential. Our service places the emotional and physical wellbeing of residents at the absolute centre of our philosophy.

The role of a Residential Childcare Worker is vital to this mission. For many of the young people in our care, consistent relationships and dependable adult role models have been rare. By providing steadfast support, daily guidance, and an environment of unconditional positive regard, you will help our residents rebuild trust in the world around them, overcome personal obstacles, and develop the life skills needed for a brighter future.

Working in Shrewsbury offers the ideal balance of a vibrant town environment and immediate access to the beautiful Shropshire countryside, providing a peaceful, resource-rich setting for both therapeutic outdoor activities and meaningful community engagement.

Location: Shrewsbury

Salary: £28,500 – £31,500 per year

Employment: Permanent

The Role

As a Residential Childcare Worker, you will create a warm, structured, and therapeutic home environment where children and young people can flourish.

• Providing compassionate day-to-day care, emotional warmth, and clear boundaries to nurture individual confidence and independence.
• Supporting the educational development of residents by assisting with homework, attending school meetings, and encouraging regular attendance.
• Promoting physical, mental, and emotional health, including arranging medical appointments and preparing nutritious, balanced meals.
• Building resilient, trusting relationships with children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences and trauma.
• Safeguarding the welfare of all residents at all times, adhering strictly to national regulations and internal child protection protocols.
• Maintaining accurate, detailed daily logs, incident reports, and risk assessments in line with statutory care standards.
• Working collaboratively with multi-agency professionals, including social workers, educational staff, healthcare providers, and independent reviewing officers.
• Planning, organising, and participating in enriching extracurricular activities, hobbies, and day trips across Shropshire.
• Contributing actively to shift handovers, team meetings, and reflective practice sessions to maintain consistency across the service.

About You

• Essential: A genuine passion for advocating for young people and the dedication needed to help them navigate complex emotional challenges.
• Essential: A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent), or the clear commitment and capability to complete this qualification within statutory timescales.
• Essential: High levels of personal resilience, emotional maturity, empathy, and the patience to establish firm yet compassionate boundaries.
• Essential: Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to defuse tense situations and manage distressed behaviour calmly.
• Essential: Comprehensive understanding of safeguarding principles, child protection procedures, and the duty of care in residential settings.
• Essential: Willingness and flexibility to work on a rolling shift pattern that includes early mornings, evenings, weekends, and sleep-in duties.
• Desirable: Prior professional experience supporting vulnerable children, adolescents, or adults within a residential, educational, or youth work setting.
• Desirable: A full UK driving licence to support young people with transport to appointments, school runs, and community activities.

A Typical Day

Every day in residential childcare brings distinct moments, but structure and warmth remain at the heart of our practice. You might start your shift by preparing breakfast with the young people, providing encouragement as they get ready for school or college. During the daytime hours, you will complete key worker documentation, liaise with social workers, and ensure the home is maintained. When the young people return, your attention shifts back to them: listening to how their day went, preparing dinner together, helping with coursework, or taking them to sports and hobbies. In the evening, you will promote a calm environment, support bedtime routines, and complete clear handover notes, knowing your care provided security throughout the day.

What You Can Expect

• A permanent role within a dedicated and well-established Shrewsbury residential children's home.
• Comprehensive induction training alongside ongoing access to accredited professional development and specialist qualifications.
• Clear progression pathways supporting development into senior residential childcare worker and management responsibilities.
• 28 days annual leave including bank holidays.
• Regular, structured one-to-one supervision, reflective practice groups, and supportive line management.
• A welcoming, collaborative staff culture where every team member is valued and supported through challenges.
• Access to a confidential employee assistance programme offering wellbeing support and counselling services.

If you have the empathy, patience, and resilience to make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable young people, we would welcome your application. Join our committed Shrewsbury team and become part of a service that gives children the chance to thrive and build brighter futures. Please submit your CV along with a covering letter detailing your relevant experience and motivation for the role.