VacancyResidential Care OfficerPermanentDownham House, Plymstock30 hours per week (managed annually) Grade E
Residential Care Officer – Downham House Residential Short Break Service
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and young people with complex needs? Downham House Residential Short Break Service is seeking a compassionate, motivated, and resilient Residential Care Officer to join our committed team. We provide meaningful short breaks for children and young people with severe learning disabilities—while offering vital respite to their families. As an Ofsted‑registered children’s home, safe and high‑quality care is at the heart of everything we do.
What You’ll Do
As a Residential Care Officer, you will play a key role in supporting young people with a range of needs including Autism, ADHD, epilepsy, OCD, ADD, Down Syndrome, and severe learning disabilities.
Your Responsibilities Will Include
Daily Care & Support
- Providing high‑quality day‑to‑day care
- Supporting with personal care, creative play, and community activities
- Assisting with light cooking and domestic tasks
Keyworking & Planning
- Acting as a keyworker for a young person
- Overseeing their individual care package
- Preparing plans and reports for parents and multidisciplinary teams
- Liaising with external agencies to ensure consistent, effective support
Shift Leadership (on rotation)
- Organising staff and planned activities
- Managing risk and ensuring safe working practices
- Being accountable for medication administration and oversight
- Communicating effectively with managers as needed
What We’re Looking For
- Passionate about supporting children with highly complex needs
- Patient, positive, resilient, and able to stay calm under pressure
- Skilled and self‑motivated, with strong decision‑making abilities
- Experienced in working with children and young people with SEND
- Comfortable working in environments that can be physically and emotionally demanding
- A strong team player with excellent communication skills
Qualifications & Requirements
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or nationally recognised equivalent) – or willingness to achieve this within 2 years
- Relevant and current experience supporting children/young people with SEND
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
- Enhanced DBS check required (children and adults)
- Role is subject to a 6‑month probation period
Working Hours
This is a highly flexible role designed around school schedules.
Hours Typically Include
- Evenings
- Weekends
- Nights
- School holiday shifts
A typical working week averages around 37 hours, including lates, long days, and night shifts.
Why Join Us?
At Downham House, you’ll be part of a warm, supportive team dedicated to offering positive, meaningful experiences to young people. Your role will directly improve the lives of families who rely on our service—and every day will bring the opportunity to make a difference.
We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role.
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.
For more information or an informal discussion regarding this role, please email Scott Welsford Manager scott.welsford@plymouth.gov.uk.
Closing Date: Monday 6 April 2026
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