Please note you must be 21 years of age or above to apply for this position.
Hopscotch Care is expanding, and we are looking for reliable, caring and motivated Residential Child Care Workers to join our small and supportive team at our children's home in Carlisle.
We provide a safe, stable and supportive home for children and young people aged 8–18. Our role is to help young people feel safe, build positive relationships and develop the skills and confidence they need to move forward.
This is a rewarding role, but it can also be challenging. You will be working with young people who may have experienced difficult circumstances and who can sometimes display behaviours that are difficult to manage. The ability to remain calm, patient and consistent is essential.
You don't need to have worked in residential childcare before. Full training, support and an induction programme are provided, and we will support you to work towards a Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare if you don't already hold one.
What we're looking for
We are looking for people who are:
- Caring, patient and genuinely interested in supporting young people
- Reliable and able to build positive, professional relationships
- Comfortable setting and maintaining appropriate boundaries
- Calm and confident when dealing with challenging situations
- Consistent in their approach and able to follow agreed care plans and routines
- Able to communicate effectively with colleagues, young people and other professionals
- Comfortable working as part of a small team
- Able to work independently and use their initiative
- Flexible and willing to work evenings, weekends and nights
- Resilient and able to cope with the emotional and physical demands of the role
- Willing to learn and develop their skills
Previous experience working with children, young people, care, education, mental health, behavioural support or similar settings is helpful, but not essential.
What does the job involve?
As a Residential Child Care Worker, you will be part of the day-to-day life of the home. This can include:
- Building positive and trusting relationships with young people
- Providing day-to-day care and support
- Encouraging positive behaviour and helping young people understand boundaries
- Supporting young people with routines, education, activities and appointments
- Preparing meals and helping maintain a safe, clean and welcoming home
- Supporting young people to develop independence and life skills
- Taking part in activities and outings
- Responding appropriately to challenging or distressed behaviour
- Following individual care plans, risk assessments and safeguarding procedures
- Recording incidents, daily observations and important information
- Working closely with colleagues and other professionals involved in a young person's care
- Supporting young people to make positive choices and achieve their goals
No two shifts are necessarily the same. Some days can be busy and demanding, while others may be quieter and focused on routine, relationships and activities.
Shift patterns
Day shifts are a mix of three:
- 8:00am – 4:00pm
- 4:00pm – 10:00pm
- 8:00am – 10:00pm
Night shifts:
Alternate weekend and bank holiday working may be required.
We aim to offer a range of shift patterns to help accommodate different working arrangements, although flexibility is important due to the nature of residential care.
Training and development
You will receive a two-week paid induction and shadowing programme when you join us, giving you the opportunity to learn about the home, meet the team and understand the needs of the young people before taking on your responsibilities.
We also provide:
- Full induction and ongoing support
- Specialist training
- Support towards accredited qualifications
- Opportunities for career progression and promotion
- Regular support and supervision
What we offer
- Competitive salary
- £93.77 sleep-in payment
- Full induction and paid shadowing
- Specialist training and accredited qualifications
- Contributory pension scheme
- Enhanced DBS check paid for by Hopscotch
- Opportunities for progression within the company
- Flexible shift options where possible
- Company car available for use during working hours
- Free meals while working on shift
- Two-week paid induction/shadowing programme
- Additional leave options, which may include:
- Maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave
- Bereavement leave
- Birthday leave
- Moving house leave
Important information
This is a hands-on role, and you will need to be comfortable working in an environment that can sometimes be physically and emotionally demanding.
You will be expected to maintain professional boundaries while developing warm, supportive relationships with young people. Safeguarding is central to the role, and you will be expected to follow company policies and procedures at all times.
An Enhanced DBS check will be required, which Hopscotch will arrange and pay for.
A driving licence is preferred due to the nature of the role and the need to support young people with activities, appointments and outings.
Interested in joining us?
If you're considering a change of career, looking to develop your experience working with young people, or already have experience in residential childcare and want to join a small, supportive team, we'd be interested in hearing from you.
Apply today to find out more about joining Hopscotch Care.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: £13.81-£14.04 per hour
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Casual dress
- Company pension
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person
