Residential Care Officer

Residential Care Officer (Waking Nights)

Salary: £15.66 per hour (Umbrella)
Location: Huddersfield
Client: Kirklees Council
Contract Type: Temporary (4 months)
Hours: Full time – Waking nights (9:30pm – 7:45am), including weekends and public holidays
Driving licence required: Yes
About the Role
Kirklees Council operates residential homes for children and young people aged 7–18, including mainstream homes for those with emotional and behavioural difficulties and disability homes offering long-term care and short breaks.
As a Residential Care Officer, you will work as part of a dedicated team to provide high-quality care and support tailored to individual needs. You will play a vital role in creating a safe, nurturing environment where young people feel valued, supported, and encouraged to develop life skills. This is a waking night role, ensuring the welfare, safety, and stability of children and young people overnight.
Key Responsibilities

• Provide safe, nurturing overnight care for children and young people in line with care and daily living plans.
• Support young people in meeting their health, education, emotional, cultural, and social needs.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people to encourage their development and independence.
• Implement behaviour management strategies, establish routines, and provide positive role modelling.
• Maintain accurate records and complete administrative tasks, including safeguarding and incident reporting.
• Contribute to the creation, implementation, and review of care and daily living plans.
• Ensure young people are actively involved in their care planning.
• Handle practical tasks such as meal preparation, personal care, shopping, and maintaining household routines.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, managers, and external professionals including social workers, education staff, and health partners.
• Adhere to safeguarding and equality policies, ensuring all practice meets the Children’s Home Regulations (2015).
• Attend induction, training, and supervision sessions, and complete the Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare within required timescales (if not already held).

Experience & Knowledge
Essential:

• Experience working with children and young people (residential, education, youth work, or similar settings).
• Understanding of safeguarding, child protection, confidentiality, GDPR, and equality.
• Knowledge of attachment, bullying, child sexual/criminal exploitation (CSE/CCE), and behaviour management.
• Ability to build warm, supportive relationships with young people.
• Strong record-keeping and IT skills.

Desirable:

• Level 2 Safeguarding and Child Protection.
• First Aid, Health & Safety, and Fire Safety training.
• Relevant qualifications such as NVQ/Diploma in childcare.
• Experience in residential childcare settings.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
• Positive role modelling with a supportive and respectful approach.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Flexible and adaptable team player with the ability to work independently.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Additional Requirements

• Waking night availability (9:30pm – 7:45am) with flexibility for weekends and public holidays.
• Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (or willingness to register within 3 months and complete within 18 months).
• Enhanced DBS with barred list check (essential).
• Full driving licence or ability to travel independently across Kirklees.
• Commitment to Kirklees Council values and behaviours: positivity, honesty, respect, flexibility, communication, and support.
• Medical clearance due to potential physical demands of the role (mobility support, behaviour management).

If you are interested in the role and would like to contact me for further information on the role you can contact myself on the details below. 
At Service Care Solutions we also offer a £250 bonus for referrals! If you think you know someone who would be ideal for this role and they are placed in the job you will then receive £250 at the end of their probationary period.

To apply for this role, or to refer someone else, then please do not hesitate to contact Jack at Service Care Solutions on 01772208964 or email on Jack.Lonsdale@Servicecare.org.uk