The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Based at: Various Locations, Doncaster
Salary details: Grade 7, £14.82 per hour (pay award pending)
Additional Benefits:
£43.12 per sleep-in shiftEnhanced pay for unsociable hours – a 50% uplift is paid for qualifying hours worked during evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays, in line with Council policy
Contract type: Casual
Hours: Variable hours, working as and when required
Closing date: 6th August 2026
Enhanced Level DBS Disclosure is required for appointment to this post
The City of Doncaster Council is a confident, ambitious organisation which puts improving the life of its residents at the centre of everything we do. You have an opportunity to be part of this in the role of Relief Residential Care Officer.
Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of children?
Here in Doncaster Council, we are in an exciting time of developing and expanding our residential offer for our children and young people.
We are currently seeking to recruit a Residential Child Care Officer to work within our new and existing Children’s Homes which include Good and Outstanding Homes.
Our homes benefit from management teams who have a wealth of experience and knowledge. We offer regular supervision and an extensive training package.
Our homes are situated throughout Doncaster, which all have good transport links.
Who Are We:
Here at City of Doncaster Council our Residential and Inspiring Futures Teams Service is responsible for caring for and supporting our children in care through our children’s homes, supported accommodation and inspiring our young people to take the next step into adulthood with continued care for our care leaver service.
The in-house Children’s homes we run include homes judged by Ofsted as “Outstanding” and “Good”. We are committed to providing a nurturing and therapeutic environment for children who need it most. Our residential children's home offers a safe place where young people can heal, grow, and thrive. We believe in the power of therapeutic care and are dedicated to creating a supportive and empowering atmosphere for both our residents and our staff. We are committed to continuing to build upon our achievements and increase our in-house services, creating a skilled, stable, committed, and passionate workforce.
What We’re Looking For:
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A genuine passion for working with children and young people.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Flexibility and resilience to work within a rota that includes weekends and unsocial hours.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
The Role:
This role offers the chance to work in a rewarding environment where your impact can change lives. Whether you're experienced or new to residential care, if you have the dedication and compassion to provide exceptional care, we want to hear from you!
You will work under the supervision and advice of the Registered Manager, Deputy Manager and Senior Residential Care Officers, to work sensitively as a team member in providing a warm, caring, enabling environment designed to meet the emotional, social and physical needs of looked after children and young people.
The role of the Residential Child Care Officer is a demanding but rewarding post, based within a structured residential service.
You must have experience or be able to evidence transferable skills of working with young people who will present with complex behaviours which on occasions can be difficult. If unsure, please get in touch to talk about the role and your work experience with us first. We will provide you with support and training to manage these times. The role is very rewarding and allows the worker to build positive relationships with some complex children who need a stable home within residential care to thrive. You must be willing to advocate for children and demonstrate a “good parent role”.
If successful, you must work within the guidelines and parameters of the home’s ethos and Statement of Purpose.
You must be willing and able to undertake and complete any training required for the role and must complete Level 3 TQUK Diploma in Residential Childcare within two years from the start of employment as a Residential Care Officer as this is mandatory requirement of Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015. You would be registered and supported to undertake this qualification unless you have the equivalent prior to commencing post. If you do not have a level 2 or equivalent in Math’s and English, you will be required to work towards achieving these qualifications as part of your apprenticeship. This includes our behaviour support program Therapeutic Crisis Intervention sometimes referred to as TCI.
There are additional opportunities to take up further learning and for those with a passion for developing in the service subject to completion of Level 3 TQUK Diploma in Residential Childcare there will be opportunity to request to complete the Level 5 TQUK Diploma in Leadership and Management.
Available Roles:
We have roles in the residential service across our services which include:
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Homes with young people that may present with complex behaviours sometimes known as Emotional, Behavioural Difficulties (EBD)
- Homes that provide overnight Short Breaks where we enable children and young people with a disability or complex health need, to access services, activities, socialise with peers and develop independent skills that will enhance their life experiences; whilst offering a break to families/carers.
- Homes that provide medium to long term care for children and young people with a disability or complex health need a home where they can flourish.
Experience, recruitment and transferable skills and a collaborative assessment of service will be decided with you on successful employment.
Rota Examples:
Rotas primarily consisting of both mornings 7am-3pm and afters 2pm -10pm shifts, which includes some weekends and bank holidays. The role would require you to undertake sleep in duties, as required to meet the needs of the home which is paid at an additional rate of £43.12 per sleep in.
Typically, the rotas run for 4 weeks where you will work 2 weekends and have 2 off. This can be subject to change to meet the needs of the service.
Shift patterns mainly consist of 8 hour shifts as below:
Mornings: 7am - 3pm
Afters: 2pm - 10pm
Afters & Sleeps: 2pm - 11pm and then 7am - 2pm the next morning
Rotas tend to consist of 9 days off per 4 week rota.
We would like candidates to be highly motivated and willing to have some flexibility to covering additional shifts when needed which if over the 37 hours is paid at time and quarter.
Why Join Us?
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Be part of a dedicated and passionate team making a real impact on children's lives.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- A supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Competitive salary and benefits package which includes up to 33 days annual leave this excludes the UK public holidays which are in addition and the ability to sign up to South Yorkshire Pension Authority.
We value a range of experiences and skills. If you have transferable skills from other roles or voluntary work, we encourage you to apply.
In return for your contribution, we offer:
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Competitive leave entitlement
- Generous local government pension scheme
- Wellbeing support and staff networks
- Development and training opportunities
- Staff discounts and benefits schemes
- More information on benefits can be found in the attached benefits booklet.
Please review the job summary and profile and demonstrate in your application how you meet the required criteria.
Shortlisting and interview date to be confirmed.
If you are interested in finding out more about this exciting role and would like an informal discussion, please contact either Cathy Richardson or Becky Stewart our Residential Service Manager at:
The Advance Employment Team offers personalised support to help you take your next step into work. From building your CV and getting the right interview skills to accessing a wide range of free courses, the team will help you grow your skills and confidence and find a job you’ll enjoy. Get in touch by email (
[email protected]) or visit the Advance website (www.advancedoncaster.co.uk) to discover the support available.
This post involves working with children/ adults and therefore if successful you will be required to apply for a disclosure of criminal records check at an enhanced level. Further information about the Disclosure Scheme can be found at www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check
City of Doncaster Council is committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and improving quality of life for all. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults.
We are a Disability Confident employer and committed to a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We offer interviews to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria and make reasonable adjustments as required.
Confirmation of this appointment is also subject to a medical assessment.
