Residential Workers - Long-Stay Children's Home

Salary: £31,015 - £34,811 plus up to £5,000 in enhancements.

A brand-new, purpose-designed Children’s Home is opening in Aycliffe, and it’s unlike anything Durham County Council children homes has launched in years especially for children with learning disabilities and complex needs.

We’re creating aspecialist, long-stay homefor children and young people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and complex needs, and we’re looking for passionate, dedicated Residential Workers to help us bring this vision to life.

This is your chance to be part of something truly groundbreaking.

We’ve sourced aunique, thoughtfully designed property in Aycliffe to provide a safe, nurturing, loving, and empowering environment for children who need it most. This home will offerhigh-quality, long-term care tailored to each child’s individual needs, delivered by a team that truly cares.

This is more than a job. It’s a chance tochange lives and be changed in return.

As a Residential Worker, you’ll be a vital part of a close-knit, compassionate team. You’ll:

• Provide personal and physical care with dignity and respect
• Support children in developing independence, social skills, and confidence
• Accompany them to appointments, community activities, and new experiences
• Help create a warm, stable home where every child feels safe, valued, and understood
• Work collaboratively to deliver the vision set out in our Children’s Homes Statement of Purpose

• A brand-new home - you’ll help shape its culture from day one
• A unique opportunity - this home will allow children with complex needs remain close to their friends and family in Durham
• Up to £5,000 extrain enhancements
• Flexible shift patterns to support work-life balance
• A values led culture built on Dignity, Unity, Responsibility, Heart, Aspiration, and Mindset

We’re seeking motivated, child-centred professionals who:

• Hold GCSEs (A–C) in English and Maths or a qualification that is equivalent or higher
• Hold or are willing to gain a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare
• Have experience working with children or young people (voluntary or professional)
• Are emotionally resilient, reliable, and flexible
• Can act as positive role models and team players
• Are eager to learn and grow in a supportive environment
• Some knowledge or experience supporting children with disabilities is beneficial however full training will be provided.

Applicants must hold a current driving licence and have access to a car (employees with a disability must have access to a means of mobility support).

In accordance with Durham County Council’s requirements, candidates must be a minimum of 22 years of age or above to apply. The successful applicant for this post will be required to apply for a Disclosure & Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.

Our committment to safeguarding:

Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Children’s Barred List, due to the position working in regulated activity.

Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation and will confirm whether an individual is barred from working with children.

You will benefit from a comprehensive programme of training to support you to develop in your role. As well as access…