Residential Care Worker

Are you a compassionate and resilient individual who is passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children aged 8 - 17?

Southampton City Council is seeking committed and emotionally resilient Residential Care Workers to provide outstanding, therapeutic care and support at our new children’s home.

We offer residential placements for children who display challenging behaviour and present with emotional and behavioural difficulties. A therapeutic approach, and putting our children first, are integral to what we do.

As a Residential Care Worker, you will play a vital role in creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where children can stabilise, feel understood, and be supported by consistent role modelling.

Working as part of a dedicated, multi-disciplinary team, you will support children using a trauma-informed and psychologically informed approach, helping them to manage challenges and build the skills needed for positive futures.

This is a highly rewarding but emotionally demanding role, requiring resilience, reflection, and a consistent ability to show up for children experiencing significant challenges.

• Provide Emotional Support – Offer a consistent, empathetic presence, helping children to understand and regulate their emotions
• Contribute to Assessments and Care Planning – Work with mental health professionals, families, and children to inform high-quality assessments and deliver tailored support plans
• Monitor Wellbeing and Respond to Risk – Observe changes in presentation and respond appropriately, including during periods of crisis, sharing concerns with relevant professionals
• Support Daily Living – Help establish routines and support with personal care, education engagement, and independent living skills. Please note, carrying out personal care may be required as part of this role.
• Build Trusting Relationships – Develop positive, professional relationships that support engagement and progress
• Respond to Crisis – Recognise and respond to behaviours of concern, including self-harm or heightened distress, in line with safeguarding procedures
• Work in Partnership – Collaborate with social workers, psychologists, health professionals, and education providers
• Promote Independence – Encourage participation in activities and help build confidence and social skills
• Maintain Accurate Records – Keep clear, confidential, and timely records to support care planning and safeguarding
• Provide a Safe Environment – Maintain a physically and emotionally safe setting, managing risk effectively and using approved approaches such as Team Teach, with a strong focus on de-escalation and least-restrictive practice

• Experience
  - Working in residential care, childcare, or supporting children with complex needs
• Qualifications - NVQ Level 4 in Residential Childcare (or equivalent), or transferable experience, with a willingness to work towards the qualification (support will be provided)
• Skills
  - Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities
• Attributes
  - Compassionate, emotionally resilient, and committed to improving outcomes for children
• Approach - A commitment to trauma-informed practice, with the a bility to remain calm, reflective, and consistent when supporting children in distress
• Flexibility
  - This is a full-time role (37 hours per week), including sleep-ins (additional rate), as part of a 24-hour rota. Candidates must be flexible and able to work a residential care rota which includes evening, weekends and holiday periods.
• DBS
  - Enhanced DBS required (Update Service will be required, the cost of which can be claimed from SCC)

Southampton City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All…