Overview
Are you a dedicated and passionate professional with a strong commitment to supporting young people? Do you thrive in dynamic and nurturing environments where your efforts can truly make a difference? If so, we have an exciting opportunity that could be the perfect fit for you!
At United Children, we are deeply committed to creating a positive and empowering atmosphere where young people can grow, learn, and reach their full potential. We believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to be guided by compassionate and skilled professionals who are not only knowledgeable but also genuinely invested in their well-being.
If you have a natural ability to connect with young individuals, inspire them, and help them navigate their challenges, this role might be exactly what you’ve been looking for. Whether you’re experienced in mentoring, counselling, education, or youth development, your skills and dedication will be highly valued and instrumental in shaping the future of those under your care.
This position offers a unique chance to work in a setting that values innovation, collaboration, and the holistic development of young people. You’ll be part of a supportive team that shares your passion for making a meaningful impact and providing young people with the tools and encouragement they need to succeed.
If you're ready to take on a rewarding role where you can make a lasting difference in the lives of young people, we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity with us. Your journey to empowering the next generation starts here!
Location: Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent
Salary: £28,000 - £31,000 per annum (depending on experience)
United Children Ltd is a provider of trauma-informed, therapeutic residential care, dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people aged who have experienced trauma, attachment disruption, emotional and behavioural difficulties, and associated learning needs. At United Children Ltd, our purpose extends far beyond providing accommodation; we are committed to offering a safe, stable, and nurturing home where children feel protected, understood, and valued.
Our care is rooted in a relationship-based, developmentally informed approach that recognises behaviour as communication and prioritises emotional safety. Guided by the PACE model (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy), Positive Behaviour Support, and restorative principles, we create an environment where children can begin to heal, rebuild trust, and develop resilience. Consistent routines, clear boundaries, and emotionally attuned relationships support children to regulate, make sense of their experiences, and build confidence in themselves and others.
We believe that every child is unique, arriving with their own history, strengths, and aspirations. For this reason, care at United Children Ltd is highly personalised. Each child’s support is shaped through holistic, individualised planning that integrates education, health, emotional wellbeing, and identity needs. Children are actively involved in decisions about their lives, ensuring their views, wishes, and feelings are central to how care is delivered.
Our staff team is carefully recruited for their compassion, integrity, and commitment to excellence. They are trained in trauma-informed and therapeutic practice and supported through reflective supervision and ongoing clinical consultation. Staff are not only caregivers, but consistent, trusted adults who provide reliability, empathy, and advocacy, helping children feel safe, respected, and empowered.
The homes are intentionally small, accommodating up to three children, allowing for high staffing ratios, strong relationships, and consistent emotional availability. The homes are designed to feel calm, welcoming, and homely, offering spaces that support regulation, creativity, learning, and connection. Children are encouraged to explore interests, develop skills, and participate fully in home life and the wider community.
Everything we do is underpinned by United Children’s core values of Understanding, Nurture, Integrity, trust, Empowerment and Discovery (UNITED). Through a culture of trust, inclusion, and continuous improvement, we aim to ensure that every child living in the home feels safe, supported, and hopeful about their future. Our commitment is to provide not just care, but the foundations for stability, growth, and lasting positive outcomes for every young person we support
Deliver High-Quality, Trauma-Informed Care: Provide consistent, nurturing, and trauma-informed care to children and young people aged 5–16 with emotional and behavioural difficulties, attachment disruption, trauma histories, and learning needs. Practice is grounded in the PACE model (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy), Positive Behaviour Support, and Restorative Practice. Practitioners understand behaviour as communication and respond with empathy, patience, and emotional attunement, supporting young people to feel safe, valued, and understood.
Support Individualised Care Planning: Contribute to the development, implementation, and review of individualised care plans that reflect each young person’s needs, risks, strengths, cultural identity, and aspirations. Actively support key working sessions and ensure the young person’s views, wishes, and feelings are central to care delivery. Monitor progress daily, share observations with senior staff, and adapt approaches to meet changing emotional, behavioural, or health needs in line with agreed plans and risk assessments.
Promote a Safe, Positive, and Homely Environment: Create and maintain a calm, welcoming, and inclusive home environment that promotes emotional safety, stability, and a sense of belonging. Support predictable routines, clear boundaries, and positive daily experiences that reduce anxiety and support regulation. Encourage independence, confidence, and skill development through daily living tasks, activities, education routines, and positive role modelling.
Work Effectively as Part of the Care Team: Work collaboratively with colleagues, managers, and external professionals to deliver consistent, high-quality care. Participate in handovers, team meetings, supervision, reflective practice, and clinical consultations. Follow guidance from senior staff and contribute positively to a therapeutic team culture, ensuring consistency, reliability, and professionalism in all interactions with young people and colleagues.
Maintain Accurate and Timely Records: Complete clear, accurate, and timely documentation in line with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and internal policies. This includes daily logs, incident and safeguarding reports, behaviour records, and contributions to care planning. Accurate recording supports continuity of care, safeguarding, communication with professionals, and regulatory compliance.
Safeguarding and Behaviour Support: Safeguard the welfare of all young people by following safeguarding policies, risk assessments, and behaviour support plans. Use de-escalation, restorative approaches, and positive behaviour reinforcement at all times. Physical intervention is used only as a last resort, in line with training, policy, and legal guidance, with incidents recorded and reflected upon appropriately.
Support Health, Education, and Well-Being: Support young people to attend education, appointments, family time, and activities, promoting engagement, routine, and achievement. Assist with health needs, medication procedures (where trained), healthy eating, exercise, and personal care in a respectful and developmentally appropriate manner. Encourage participation in hobbies, interests, and community activities that support emotional well-being and personal growth.
Transportation and Community Engagement: Safely transport young people to school, appointments, family contact, and activities in line with risk assessments and health and safety procedures. Ensure young people feel safe, respected, and supported during travel, promoting dignity, independence, and positive experiences within the community.
Qualification: NVQ Level 3 or 4 in Children and Young People or an equivalent qualification, desirable but not essential. However, you should be willing to work toward the qualification at the end of your probation period.
Experience: Minimum of 6 months of experience working with children and young people in a residential care setting. Candidates can also possess transferable skills.
Driving Licence: A full UK driving licence is essential, or you will be required to get one within a year of employment.
Skills: Strong understanding of child development and the needs of vulnerable children. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work as part of a team and independently, using initiative and problem-solving skills.
Benefits:
Competitive Salary: Earn between £28,000 to £31,000 per year, based on your experience and qualifications. There will be additional pay for overtime hours worked.
Professional Development: Take advantage of opportunities for professional growth and career progression within our organisation.
Supportive Work Environment: Join a collaborative and supportive team that values your contributions and provides comprehensive training and ongoing support.
Perks: Enjoy benefits such as casual dress code, company pension, free on-site parking, and more.
Job Types:
Full-time, Part-time, Permanent,
Work Schedule: Flexibility to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
(shift pattern will be discussed at the interview stage)
Work Authorisation: Must be authorised to work in the United Kingdom.
Work Location: In person
United Children is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all sectors of the community. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. All successful applicants will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and provide satisfactory references.
Pay: From £28,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Flexible schedule
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Paid training
Work Location: In person
