Residential Child Care Worker
About this role
Residential Child Care Worker — Clannad House
Agency: Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency on behalf of Five Rivers Child Care Ltd
Location: Orpington, Kent (Clannad House)
Salary: £26,545 to £29,829 p.a. (DOE) + £50 per sleep-in (~£4,500 additional potential yearly earnings)
Hours: Full-time (average 39 hours per week on a 3-week rolling rota provided 6 weeks in advance). Part-time applications also welcome. Closing Date: 10/09/2026
About the Role
Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency is partnering with Five Rivers Child Care Ltd to recruit a compassionate and dedicated Residential Child Care Worker for Clannad House, their specialist residential children's home in Orpington, Kent.
You do not need previous experience in residential childcare to apply; we are looking for kind, dependable, and resilient individuals whose personal qualities—such as patience, a positive sense of humor, trust-building, and empathy—are matched by a commitment to changing lives.
Working within an integrated framework of residential, educational, and clinical services, you will use our attachment and trauma-informed care model to help children and young people aged 7 to 18 recover from trauma, loss, or instability. You will be fully supported with professional training, including gaining a fully funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Child Care.
Key Responsibilities
Direct Care: Support children and young people in a safe, nurturing home environment, acting as a consistent, positive role model.
Daily Living: Help residents participate in everyday routines, activities, new experiences, meals, and practical household tasks.
Therapeutic Environment: Contribute actively to a trauma-informed, relational approach to care, building trust and helping children feel safe, valued, and heard.
Collaboration: Work seamlessly as part of an integrated multi-disciplinary team alongside residential, education, and clinical professionals, maintaining accurate record-keeping.
Key Requirements
Personal Qualities: Compassionate, patient, resilient, calm under pressure, and possessing a good sense of humor.
Skills: Good written, verbal, and IT skills.
Age & Mobility: Ideally aged 19 or over, with a full driving licence.
Experience: No prior residential childcare experience required—full training and development are provided.
Compliance: Right to Work in the UK and willingness to undergo safer recruitment checks.
Why Join Five Rivers?
Financial Rewards: Competitive salary plus £50 per sleep-in (typically 2–3 per week, adding up to ~£4,500 extra per year).
Work-Life Balance: 30 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays) plus a holiday purchase scheme, working on a predictable 3-week rolling rota provided 6 weeks in advance.
Health & Wellbeing: Simplyhealth medical cash-back plan, 24/7 GP service, counselling, and wellbeing support.
Perks: Blue Light Card eligibility, free meals when on shift, and generous Refer-a-Friend and Foster Carer Referral bonuses.
Professional Growth: Fully funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Child Care, ongoing training via our L&D Team, and career progression within a Platinum Investors in People award-winning social enterprise.