This is a role for people with heart.
At Oak House Children’s Homes Ltd, we don’t just care for children, we care about them. We are looking for people who lead with kindness, patience and compassion, and who believe every child deserves to feel safe, respected and understood. You don’t need to arrive with all the answers. You do need empathy, emotional strength and a genuine desire to support children who experience the world differently.
Our Values
Everything we do is guided by the belief that children thrive when adults are:
- Kind before controlling
- Patient before reactive
- Understanding before judgement
- Consistent before convenient
Our children may have learning disabilities, communication difficulties or emotional challenges, but above all, they are children who need adults they can trust.
What You’ll Be Doing
You will help create a home where children feel:
- Safe — emotionally and physically
- Valued — for who they are, not how they behave
- Heard — even when they struggle to communicate
Your role will include:
- Leading shifts and supporting the day-to-day running of the home
- Acting as a positive role model for both children and staff
- Supporting children with routines and personal care when needed
- Responding to behaviours with empathy, consistency and clear boundaries
- Providing emotional containment and reassurance during challenging moments
- Supporting the development of life skills, independence and confidence
- Contributing to care planning, risk assessments and reviews
- Mentoring and guiding Residential Support Workers
- Ensuring safeguarding practices are always followed
Some days will be challenging. Many will be deeply meaningful.
Who We’re Looking For
This role may be right for you if you are:
- Naturally compassionate and nurturing
- Calm, resilient and emotionally intelligent
- Confident in leading others and making decisions
- Able to remain kind, consistent and professional under pressure
- Reflective in your practice and open to learning
- Comfortable offering personal care with dignity and respect
- Passionate about making a meaningful difference in children’s lives
Experience is welcome, but character matters more than background.
We can teach skills, we cannot teach values.
Training & Support
- Full induction and ongoing training provided
- Supportive leadership and regular supervision
- Opportunities to gain recognised qualifications while working
Working Pattern
- 24-hour rota including evenings, weekends and bank holidays
- Sleep-in duties (paid in addition)
- Flexibility required to meet the needs of the children
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to protecting children and young people. All appointments are subject to:
- Enhanced DBS checks
- References
- Robust safer recruitment procedures
This role asks a lot, emotionally and personally.
But it gives back even more.
If you believe children with learning disabilities deserve patience, dignity and unwavering care, we would love to hear from you.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From £14.00 per hour
Benefits:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Clacton-on-Sea CO16: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Support Environment: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- NVQ Level 2 Health & Social Care (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
