Children’s Residential Care Worker / Residential Social Worker
Location: Lifestyles Residential Services – Northern Ireland
Salary: £30,000 - £34,000 (dependent on qualifications and experience)
Contract: Full-time / Part-time opportunities available
Is This You?
Do you see a difficult child — or a child in difficulty?
At Lifestyles Residential Services, we believe the difference lies in perspective — and in the people who care enough to look deeper.
We are looking for compassionate, resilient and motivated individuals to join our residential team supporting children and young people who have experienced trauma, disruption and adversity.
Whether you are an experienced Residential Care Worker or a qualified Social Worker, this role offers the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with young people and play a vital role in helping them feel safe, valued and supported.
This role combines the relational care and practical support of residential work with the opportunity for qualified social workers to utilise their professional training within a therapeutic residential environment.
The Role
You will work as part of a supportive team providing a safe, nurturing and structured home environment for children and young people.
Your role will include:
- Building meaningful and trusting relationships with young people
- Supporting young people through trauma-informed care approaches
- Promoting emotional regulation, stability and positive life skills
- Supporting daily routines including education, health and wellbeing
- Contributing to care planning and risk management processes
- Working collaboratively with families, social workers and external professionals
- Maintaining accurate records and contributing to team discussions and reviews
For qualified Social Workers, the role also offers opportunities to contribute professional insight to care planning and therapeutic approaches within the home.
Essential Criteria
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Minimum Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care (or related subject) or willing to complete this
- At least 1 year experience working in a care or support role
- Experience working with children, young people or vulnerable individuals
- A strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection principles
- Ability to work as part of a team in a dynamic residential environment
- Good communication and relationship-building skills
- Flexibility to work shifts, including evenings and weekends
Desirable Criteria
- Degree in Social Work
- Registration with NISCC (or ability to register)
- Experience working in children’s residential care
- Understanding of trauma-informed practice, attachment and ACEs
- Training in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) or similar models
Newly Qualified Social Workers (AYE)
Applications are welcomed from Newly Qualified Social Workers undertaking or preparing for their Assessed Year in Employment (AYE).
This role offers an excellent opportunity for Social Work graduates to gain valuable experience in a therapeutic residential care environment, develop strong relational practice skills, and build a pathway into leadership roles within residential services.
What We Offer
At Lifestyles Residential Services, we invest in our people.
- Structured induction and training programme
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression
- Supportive and experienced leadership team
- Ongoing training in trauma-informed care and TCI
- A positive team culture built on compassion, integrity, teamwork and fun
About Lifestyles Residential Services
At Lifestyles Residential Services, we believe every child deserves a safe, stable and nurturing home.
Our staff don’t just clock in and out — they show up with heart, purpose and resilience to help young people rebuild trust, confidence and hope for the future.
For the right person, this is more than a job — it’s a chance to change lives.
Apply Now
If you believe you can make a difference in the lives of children and young people, we would love to hear from you.
Join Our Waiting List
We’re also compiling a 12-month waiting list for similar vacancies in the Dungiven or wider area. If the timing isn’t quite right, submit your interest anyway — and we’ll be in touch when the next opportunity arises.
Lifestyles adhere to the Access NI Code of Practice; a copy of the policy be made available to you upon request. An enhanced Access NI disclosure check will be required for this post. Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar you from working within Lifestyles. A copy of Lifestyles Ex-Offenders’ Recruitment Policy can be made available upon request. A copy of Lifestyles Secure Handling of Storage and Retention of Disclosure Information Policy is also available upon request.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent, Graduate
Pay: £30,000.00-£34,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- On-site parking
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
