Residential Child Care Worker
About this role
Job Advertisement: Residential Child Care Worker
Position: Residential Child Care Worker
Location: Children's Residential Homes, Salisbury, Wiltshire
Salary: £31,564 - £34,308 per annum (Based on 2 sleep-ins per week; includes £50 extra per sleep-in)
Contract Type: Full-Time, averaging 39 hours per week (Part-time hours also welcomed! Features a predictable 3-week rolling rota provided 6 weeks in advance)
About the Role
Could you be a dependable, positive role model who helps turn a child's life around? We are looking for compassionate, resilient individuals to join our children's residential homes in Salisbury.
Working alongside an integrated team of clinical, educational, and residential colleagues, you will provide trauma-informed, therapeutic care for children and young people. No specific experience is required—we will train, teach, and guide you through everything you need to know while fully funding your Level 3 Diploma in Residential Child Care. Whether you're organizing fun outdoor activities like kayaking and rock climbing, cooking meals together, or supporting daily routines, your care will provide the stability and security these young people deserve.
Key Responsibilities
Create a warm, safe, and happy home environment, acting as a trusted and responsible role model.
Engage children in fun activities and memorable experiences (from movie nights and arts & crafts to camping, beach adventures, and forest walks).
Support daily household routines, including cooking meals, maintaining the home, and learning practical life skills together.
Help reduce challenging behaviors by teaching healthy coping mechanisms within a trauma-informed, therapeutic framework.
Complete required electronic record-keeping and undertake overnight sleep-ins (typically 2 to 3 per week).
What We Are Looking For
No prior experience needed: A patient, resilient, and caring attitude is what matters most!
Good written, verbal, and IT communication skills.
A playful spirit who understands the importance of fun and recreation in a child's development.
Ideally a full UK driving licence and aged 19 or over.
A genuine passion for making a lasting, positive difference in young lives.
Why Join Us?
At Five Rivers Child Care, we are a social enterprise dedicated to transforming children's lives since 1989. We look after our people so you can look after our children, offering an incredible range of benefits:
Competitive Salary: £31,564 - £34,308 p.a. (inclusive of an average of 8 sleep-ins per month at £50 extra per night).
Generous Leave: 30 days annual leave (22 days plus 8 bank holidays) plus a holiday purchase scheme.
Fully Funded Training: We pay for your Level 3 Diploma in Residential Child Care alongside ongoing expert training.
Financial & Health Wellbeing: Simplyhealth medical cash-back plan, enhanced company pension scheme, and Employee Support Programmes (including 24/7 GP access and counselling).
Perks & Rewards: Blue Light discount card, Refer-a-Friend bonus, Foster Carer Referral bonus, long-service awards, and delicious family meals when on shift!