Childcare Support Specialist for Residential Care

Residential Childcare Support Worker – Leeds

Contract: 35 hours per week plus two sleep‑in shifts (additional hours available)

Salary: Base £23,277.80 per annum, rising to up to £28,893.80 per annum with sleep‑in shifts

Location: Leeds (city‑wide travel supported)

About the Role

Join a dedicated team that helps young people transitioning out of care to achieve independence, secure housing, and pursue education. As a Residential Childcare Support Worker you will live on‑site, providing a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for individuals or small groups in flats or shared houses.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver practical support and guidance aligned with each young person’s care plan, fostering independent‑living skills and educational progress.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with young people, colleagues, and external professionals through clear, respectful communication.
• Assist with education, employment, and training goals, documenting achievements and submitting evidence to relevant instructors.
• Develop and sustain community links (e.g., schools, sports centres, youth clubs) to broaden opportunities for those you support.

Essential Requirements

• Flexibility to work shift patterns, including sleep‑in nights, evenings, and weekends.
• Residential Childcare/Families Practitioner Diploma, Children and Young People Workforce qualification, NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care, or willingness to study toward one of these.
• Understanding of the challenges faced by young people in care.
• Intermediate computer skills.
• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle are desirable (good public transport is also available).
• Experience with attachment, trauma, challenging behaviour, or mental health issues is advantageous.

Working Conditions

• Rota‑based schedule that may include evenings and weekends.
• Sleep‑in shifts provide additional earnings and support continuity of care.
• Travel expenses covered for journeys over £5.
• Enhanced DBS check required.

What We Offer

• On‑the‑Job Accredited Training and pathways to NVQ qualifications.
• Access to accredited online courses and further qualifications.
• Regular supervision and professional development support.
• Pension scheme and employee discount programme.
• 28 days of annual leave (including bank holidays).

Opportunities for Growth

The role is designed to develop your expertise in residential childcare, offering structured training, mentorship, and the chance to progress to senior support or specialist positions within the organization.

The employer is an equal‑opportunity organization and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.