Working in Residential Childcare at Wakefield Council as a Recovery Support Worker
More than just a job
Working in one of Wakefield Council’s children’s homes is a chance to change lives and transform your own future. Every child deserves a safe, loving home and positive experiences that set them up for life. That’s why residential childcare is so important, and why we’re looking for people who care.
This role provides a rare opportunity to work in one of our specialist homes, working collaboratively with the NHS to deliver therapeutic, recovery-focused care for children with complex needs.
Since opening three years ago, our home has consistently been rated Outstanding by Ofsted, highlighting our strong, child-centred and therapeutic approach.
Salary for Recovery Workers
Inclusive of allowances and on-costs, earn up to £50,483.55.
Who We’re Looking For
We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from a wide variety of backgrounds. However, due to the nature of this particular role, for reasons of privacy and decency, working with boys and young men in a residential care setting, it is an occupational requirement for applicants for this role to be male.
You don’t need a degree or formal qualifications to start. We welcome people from all walks of life who are:
- Warm, nurturing, and emotionally intelligent
- Have enthusiasm and are self‑motivated with good communication skills
- Great at building trusting relationships
- Resilient and committed to making a difference
- Equipped with transferable skills from other careers or life experiences
Wakefield is ambitious for children and have adopted an innovative approach throughout its residential model.
Role Overview
We are seeking to appoint a suitably skilled, motivated and caring Recovery Support Worker, to work with and support children and young people aged between 9 to 17 years old.
There are times when children and young people in care require additional support to manage complex trauma. Placements of a warm, supportive and a homely feel are hard to find, and this can result in multiple placement breakdowns before a suitable placement that can contain risk and manage social and emotional needs is found. The result of this leads to young people who are most vulnerable being placed a long way from home and not always achieving the best outcomes. We provide loving homes for children to remain in Wakefield and only receive the best possible care.
Benefits
In addition to your salary, you will receive:
- Weekend Allowance
- Shift allowance
- Enhanced Bank holiday and weekend pay
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Competitive salary with yearly increments
- Funding for Diploma level 4 apprenticeship
- Employee Assisted Programme
- Access to OHU
Pay and Benefits
We know that attracting and keeping great people means offering more than just job satisfaction. That’s why we provide competitive rates of pay and a benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, career, and lifestyle.
- Competitive salaries aligned with your role and experience
- 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising with service
- Essential car user allowance (where applicable)
- Blue Light Card for discounts across retail, leisure, and travel
- Generous pension scheme with employer contributions
- Excellent commuter links across Yorkshire
Training and Development
Our people are our greatest strength. We believe that when you grow, so does the impact you make—and that’s why we’re committed to investing in your development from day one. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step, we offer structured, supported pathways to help you build a rewarding career in residential childcare.
- Level 3 Diploma / Level 4 Apprenticeship in Residential Childcare
- Mandatory and specialist training tailored to your role
- Access to fully funded Social Worker Apprenticeships for internal candidates
About our Children and Young People’s Service
Wakefield’s Children’s Services are Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ in children’s social care, and we’re proud of our transformation journey. We’ve created a culture where good practice is celebrated, and staff are supported to grow and thrive.
- Small, stable teams with manageable caseloads
- Strong multi‑agency partnerships and co‑located teams
- Dedicated Learning Academy and bespoke training
- Clear progression pathways and leadership development
- Emotional Wellbeing Team
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