Senior Residential Child Care Officer

Durham County Council

  • Newton Aycliffe, County Durham
  • £31,586-35,235 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 month ago
Senior Residential Child Care OfficerGrade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 plus sleep in AllowancePermanentStart date to Be Confirmed43 hrs per week, Term Time OnlyDo you want to support children and young people’s learning and personal development?Do you want to make a difference in their lives?Would you like to work with our innovative team that values honesty, commitment, flexibility, and integrity?The Governors and Headteacher wish to appoint an experienced and highly motivated Senior Residential Child Care Officer to work in our residential unit.We are looking for an exceptional, enthusiastic and creative, child focused practitioner to work with our young children who exhibit Social, Emotional, Mental Health difficulties.As a Senior Residential Childcare Officer, you will lead by example in providing care and support to young people with emotional, behavioural, or learning difficulties. You will guide and support Residential Childcare Workers, assist the Head of Care and School Leaders, and help ensure the highest standards of care are consistently delivered.Key Responsibilities:Young Person Support:
  • Provide direct care and emotional support tailored to individual needs.
  • Advocate for young people and promote their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
  • Monitor for signs of distress or abuse, prioritising their safety at all times.
  • Encourage independence, education, and participation in leisure activities.
  • Build strong, positive relationships with families, professionals, and external agencies.
  • Guide young people through structured routines and relational behavioural boundaries.
Leadership and Team Support:
  • Act as a role model to the team, promoting high standards of care and conduct.
  • Support daily operations and ensure compliance with legislation, policies, and procedures.
  • Assist in team development through training, supervision, observation and motivation.
  • Contribute to effective communication and documentation, including audits and reports.
  • Promote team morale, and proactive problem-solving.
  • Maintain confidentiality, data protection, and uphold health and safety standards.
Personal Development:
  • Engage in ongoing training and development.
  • Attend team meetings, contribute to continuous improvement, and uphold equality and diversity at all times.
Split Shift Working PattermMonday 2.30pm to 10pm (Sleep Duties required)Tuesday 7.30am to 11am – 2.30pm to 9pmWednesday 7.30am to 11am – 2.30pm to 10pm (Sleep Duties required)Thursday – 7.30am 11am – 2.30pm to 9pmFriday – Friday 7.30am – 12pmApplicants should have experience of working with children and young people in a residential care or related setting.The working week of 43 hours is an average figure and has been calculated to take account of the fact the employees in residential education establishments receive school holidays rather than a period of annual leave prescribed in the national conditions of service.The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.For an informal discussion please contact Miss Maitland (Head of Care)Closing date: Friday 12th September 2025 at 12 noonPlease return completed applications to the schoolWe are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and, if successful, you will need to apply for an enhanced DBS disclosure.As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when requiredStandard term time only pay is calculated on the basis of the following:
  • Number of ‘teaching’ weeks – 38 weeks; plus
  • Public (bank) holidays – 1.6 weeks (8 days); plus
  • Individual leave entitlement - 5.4 weeks (27 days) or 6.4 weeks (32 days)
Individual leave entitlement is calculated on the length of continuous service. Employees with less than 5 years’ service will receive 27 days annual leave. Employees with more than 5 years’ service will receive 32 days annual leave. For example:Calculation for employees with less than 5 years’ service:38 weeks (term time) + 27 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 45 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalmentsCalculation for employees with more than 5 years’ service:38 weeks (term time) + 32 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 46 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalmentsWalworth SchoolBluebell WayNewton AycliffeCo DurhamDL5 7LPTel: 01325 300194Email:Website:

Durham County Council