Senior Residential Childcare Worker
Salary: £35,000 – £40,000 per annum (dependent on experience) + shift pay + bonuses
Location: Urmston, Manchester
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent (PAYE)
Development: Clear progression into Deputy Manager and Registered Manager roles
Lead with Compassion. Inspire Positive Change.
At NW Care Group, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, loved, and valued.
We are looking for experienced, compassionate and resilient Senior Residential Childcare Workers to help lead our therapeutic teams and provide exceptional care to children and young people aged 7–17 who have experienced trauma, loss, and adversity.
This is an opportunity to be more than a care professional. As a Senior Residential Childcare Worker, you will play a key role in shaping the culture of the home, mentoring colleagues, and helping young people build brighter futures.
If you believe in the power of relationships, consistency, and unconditional positive regard, we would love to hear from you.
About NW Care Group
NW Care Group provides nurturing, trauma-informed residential homes where children can feel safe, develop meaningful relationships, and thrive.
Using therapeutic and relationship-based approaches, including PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy), we support young people to heal, grow and develop the confidence and resilience needed to reach their full potential.
Our aim is simple: to provide homes filled with stability, belonging, hope and opportunity.
The Role
As a Senior Residential Childcare Worker, you will lead by example, supporting both young people and colleagues to achieve the best possible outcomes.
You will work alongside the management team to ensure high standards of care, safeguarding, and regulatory compliance are consistently maintained.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality, therapeutic care and support to children and young people.
- Act as a positive role model and senior member of the team.
- Lead shifts and support the smooth day-to-day running of the home.
- Promote a warm, nurturing, and child-centred environment.
- Support children to achieve positive outcomes in education, health, relationships, and independence.
- Build meaningful and trusting relationships with young people through a trauma-informed approach.
- Complete and contribute to care planning, risk assessments, behaviour support plans and placement documentation.
- Support the implementation of children's care plans and individual goals.
- Safeguard and promote the welfare of children at all times.
- Liaise effectively with families, social workers, education providers, health professionals and other agencies.
- Support the management team with audits, monitoring and quality assurance processes.
- Mentor, guide and support less experienced staff members.
- Promote reflective practice and a positive team culture.
- Support the home in achieving and maintaining compliance with Ofsted regulations and quality standards.
- Participate in on-call arrangements where required.
About You
We are seeking experienced residential childcare professionals who can combine strong leadership skills with warmth, empathy and compassion.
You will be passionate about helping young people recover from past experiences and achieve positive futures.
You will understand that behaviour is communication and that meaningful relationships are often the key to lasting change.
You'll Bring
- A genuine passion for improving the lives of children and young people.
- Experience working within children's residential care.
- Strong safeguarding knowledge and professional judgement.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
- The ability to remain calm and resilient during challenging situations.
- A trauma-informed and therapeutic approach to care.
- Confidence in leading shifts and supporting colleagues.
- Strong organisational and report-writing skills.
- Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Essential Requirements
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
- Minimum of 2 years' experience working within children's residential care.
- Good understanding of safeguarding legislation and Children's Homes Regulations.
- Ability to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends and sleep-ins.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
Desirable
- Level 4 or Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management.
- Experience supervising or mentoring staff.
- Experience supporting children with complex emotional and behavioural needs.
- Knowledge of PACE, THRIVE or other therapeutic models.
Why Join NW Care Group?
We know that exceptional care starts with exceptional people.
That's why we invest heavily in our teams and provide opportunities for growth, development and progression.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary of £35,000 – £40,000 per annum, dependant on experience.
- Comprehensive induction programme.
- Ongoing professional development and specialist training.
- Career progression into Deputy Manager and Registered Manager roles.
- Employee recognition awards, including:
- Outstanding Service Employee of the Year (£3,000 voucher-based award)
- Long Service Awards (£500 after 2 years, £750 after 5 years, £1,000 after 10 years)
- Enrolled on government pension scheme
- Additional annual leave for long service.
- 28 days annual leave + Your Birthday off!
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Refer a Friend Scheme (£100 per successful referral).
All appointments are subject to:
- Enhanced DBS clearance.
- Verification of identity and right to work in the UK.
- A minimum of two satisfactory references.
- Successful completion of all safer recruitment checks.
- Compliance with safeguarding and regulatory requirements.
The role will involve shift work, sleep-ins, weekends and bank holidays as required.
Join Our Team
If you are an experienced residential childcare professional ready to take the next step in your career and help shape a nurturing, therapeutic home where children can flourish, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today or contact Claire Bramwell on 07802 456448 for an informal conversation about the opportunities available.
NW Care Group is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and recognise the valuable skills, resilience and perspectives that individuals with varied life experiences can bring to our organisation.
All recruitment decisions are made on merit and in line with safer recruitment practices.
Pay: £35,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Casual dress
- Employee discount
- Paid training
Work Location: In person
