Residential Worker
Permanent, Full Time
£28,914 to £36,581 per annum (includes allowance)
Location: Colchester
Closing Date: Wednesday 15th April 2026 at 11.59pm
Interview Dates: Tuesday 5th May to Friday 8th May 2026.
Why work with us?
- 26 days annual leave (Full Time Equivalent)
- 37-hour working week – Monday to Sunday, over a mixture of early (07:00am – 14.30pm) and late (14:00pm – 21.30pm) shifts with every other weekend off.
- Opportunity for overtime.
- Local Authority Defined Benefit Pension Scheme.
- Use your skills to make a difference to the lives of local children and families who experience difficulties and inequalities.
- Work for a team with great team morale and friendly, helpful, and supportive colleagues.
- Access high quality training and development to help develop your career within the child and family sector.
This role will be based on-site at New Farm Road, Stanway, Colchester CO3 0PG – a five-bedded home for young people between the ages of 11-17. You will be working as part of a multidisciplinary team to support young people that have experienced trauma.
Responsibilities
Providing nurturing therapeutic care to children who have experienced trauma, supporting and caring for them as a parent would, and managing daily challenges with a calm and patient demeanour. You will also need to be able to manage challenging behaviour, including aggression and violence, using a range of de‑escalation techniques. Effective written and verbal communication skills are essential.
Qualifications
Previous experience working in a children’s home is beneficial, but many other skills can also make you suitable for the role. Open‑minded, flexible, adaptable, and able to manage challenges with calmness. If you do not already have a Level 3 Diploma, you will need to complete it within 2 years of successful completion of the probation period – you will be supported with this.
Training & Support
We will provide all the training you need for the role along with good quality, regular supervision. This, together with the right attitude and access to a full in‑house induction, will enable you to start your career with Essex County Council with confidence.
Work Schedule
37 hours per week over a mixture of early (07:00am – 14.30pm) and late (14:00pm – 21.30pm) shifts across 7 days a week (365 days a year) with every other weekend off.
Application Process
If shortlisted, the interview process will be a one‑stage process where you will attend the home for a face‑to‑face interview.
Due to the nature of this role, any applicants need to be at least 21 years old to undertake this post.
Salary & Benefits
The salary offered is made up of a basic salary £26,286 to £33,256 per annum and a guaranteed allowance of 10% – £2,628.60 to £3,325.60 per annum, paid monthly, alongside the basic salary.
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