We are seeking experienced and passionate Residential Social Care worker's to help shape and deliver high-quality respite care for children and young people. This is an exciting opportunity for motivated professional's who are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for children while supporting and developing in a dedicated staff team.
You will play a key role in the day-to-day operation of the service, ensuring that children receive safe, person-centred, and therapeutic care while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and organisational standards.
Key Responsibilities
As a Residential Social Care Worker, you will:
Provide High-Quality Care and Support
- Create a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment where children and young people can enjoy positive respite experiences.
- Build meaningful relationships with children and young people, helping them feel safe, valued, and confident during their time with us.
- Support children and young people to participate in activities, develop life skills, build independence, and have fun in a way that meets their individual needs.
- Deliver person-centred care in line with individual care plans and identified support needs.
- Promote children's emotional wellbeing and positive behaviour through a compassionate and child-centred approach.
- Provide reassurance and support during times of anxiety or uncertainty, helping children and young people feel comfortable, secure, and included.
Work in Partnership
- Work closely with families, carers, and professionals to ensure consistency and continuity of care.
- Communicate effectively with all stakeholders to support positive outcomes for children and young people.
- Contribute to a collaborative team culture that promotes high-quality care and support.
Maintain Professional Standards
- Record care, activities, observations, and incidents accurately and in accordance with safeguarding, regulatory, and organisational requirements.
- Contribute ideas and feedback to continuously improve the quality of respite services.
- Adhere to all safeguarding, health and safety, and organisational policies and procedures.
- Participate fully in shift work, sleep-ins, supervision, training, and team meetings.
Person Specification - Essential Criteria:
- A Level 3 qualification (or above) in a relevant field such as Health & Social Care, Youth Work, Children's Care, Community Work, or a related discipline.
- A minimum of one year's experience working in residential childcare, social care, youth work, education, or a similar setting supporting children and young people.
- Experience supporting vulnerable children and young people, including those with additional support needs.
- Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding principles and person-centred care.
- Ability to register with NISCC prior to commencing employment.
- A full UK driving licence.
- Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and child protection procedures within Northern Ireland.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Competent IT, administrative, and record-keeping skills.
- The ability to remain calm, professional, and resilient when managing challenging situations.
Desirable Criteria:
- Training in therapeutic, trauma-informed, or attachment-based approaches.
- A degree in Social Work, Youth Work, Psychology, Education, or a related discipline.
- Previous experience within a children's residential or respite care setting.
- Experience leading shifts or supporting colleagues in practice.
- Knowledge of RQIA Minimum Standards.
- Understanding of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) approaches.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary package.
- Holiday Pay.
- Comprehensive induction programme.
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
- Leadership and management development support.
- Regular supervision and reflective practice sessions.
- Company pension scheme.
- Free on-site parking.
- Opportunity to contribute to the development of an innovative children's respite service.
- Supportive and values-driven working environment.
Work Location: In person
