Some people are built for this work. Not everyone knows it yet.
Silver Lining Care is a CIW-regulated specialist children's residential care provider supporting young people aged 5–18 across the South Wales valleys. The young people in our homes have experienced significant trauma, multiple placement breakdowns, neurodivergent and complex needs such as ASD, Global Development Delay, Communication difficulties. Many have had difficult experiences with the adults in their lives.
What they need — and what we look for — are people who are naturally calm under pressure. Consistent. Hard to rattle. Firm without being harsh. Warm without being a pushover.
If those words describe you — regardless of where that quality came from — we want to hear from you.
About the Role
You'll be part of a small, close-knit team within a residential home environment, supporting the same young people on a consistent basis. This consistency is the foundation of everything we do.
Day to day, you will:
- Provide structured, reliable care in line with individual care plans
- Build therapeutic relationships using PACE principles (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy)
- Maintain clear boundaries and manage challenging behaviour with confidence — including the use of physical intervention where required and authorised under our BTEC Level 2 framework
- Safeguard young people in line with statutory requirements — including risks relating to exploitation, self-harm, and AWOL
- Support young people through their significant trauma, multiple placement breakdowns, neurodivergent and complex needs such as ASD, Global Development Delay, Communication difficulties.
- Support young people through education, appointments, community access, and everyday life
- Write accurate, detailed records and incident reports — precision and accountability matter here
- Work closely with social workers, CAMHS, schools, and other agencies
- Work 12-hour shifts, 4 on / 4 off, including days, nights, and weekends — averaging 42 hours per week with less than 165 shifts per year
What Makes Someone Right for This Role
We don't require a care background. We do require the right character.
The people who thrive here tend to share certain qualities, regardless of where they developed them:
- They don't panic. When things escalate, they get steadier, not louder.
- They follow through. They say what they mean and do what they say.
- They understand that structure is a form of care. Boundaries aren't punishment — they're safety.
- They can hold space for someone in genuine distress without being drawn into it.
- They're comfortable with paperwork and accountability. Documentation isn't a chore — it's part of doing the job properly.
- They've worked in environments where the stakes were real and professional conduct was non-negotiable.
We reward loyalty, consistency, and genuine commitment to the young people in our care. If that's how you work, you'll fit in here.
Requirements
- Full UK driving licence (required)
- Eligibility to work in the UK (required)
- Willingness to complete an Enhanced DBS and register with Social Care Wales (costs covered by us)
- Ability to work 12-hour shifts on a 4-on/4-off rota including nights and weekends
- Willingness to work towards or hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (fully funded by us)
What You'll Receive
- £13.45 per hour from April 2026 — the Real Living Wage, above the majority of local providers
- Higher rates available for candidates with relevant qualifications and experience
- Biannual performance bonuses — linked to your home's results, not a blanket company payout
- Fully funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (AWIF pathway)
- Fully funded BTEC Level 2 Physical Intervention training
- Fully funded Safeguarding training up to Level 3
- Paid overtime at 125%
- Less than 165 scheduled shifts per year
- Full induction with mentoring throughout your probationary period
- Regular supervision and reflective practice sessions
- DBS cost fully covered
- Social Care Wales registration fully supported and funded
- Clear internal progression opportunities
- Cycle to work scheme, discounted meals, staff events, wellbeing programme, company pension
About Silver Lining Care
We're not a national chain. Three homes. A management team you can actually talk to. A Responsible Individual who is operationally present and a Managing Director who is accessible.
Our 60% step-down success rate — the proportion of young people who move on to less intensive placements in a planned, positive way — reflects the calibre of the people in our homes. That number is exceptional for this sector.
We are a Real Living Wage employer investing in our staff, our pay structure, and the long-term sustainability of our organisation.
We review applications as they arrive. We don't wait for a closing date. If this sounds like you, apply now.
Silver Lining Care Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts are subject to an Enhanced DBS, satisfactory references, and a robust safer recruitment process. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £13.45-£15.50 per hour
Expected hours: 42 per week
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Application question(s):
- Are you able to work 12 hour shifts on a 4 on/4 off rota, including nights and weekends?
- Do you have experience working in a high-pressure, people-facing environment — for example in emergency services, the justice system, health, education, or social care?
- Have you ever completed any physical intervention, restraint, or de-escalation training?
Licence/Certification:
- Full UK Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
