Residential Worker

About the role

This role sits within Buckinghamshire Council's established children's home in Amersham, providing a safe, stable and nurturing environment for children and young people who have experienced adversity and trauma. Working as part of a dedicated residential team, you will support young people through their day-to-day lives while helping them build confidence, develop independence and achieve their goals.

The Amersham home delivers trauma-informed care that promotes emotional wellbeing, personal development and positive outcomes. You will work alongside experienced residential professionals, social workers, education providers and healthcare partners, contributing to a culture where young people feel safe, valued and supported.

Shifts cover days, waking nights and sleep-ins, and you will be expected to work flexibly across these as required. Specific shift times and rota cycles are not detailed in the advert; further information is available in the Children's Residential Worker Candidate Pack.

Key responsibilities include:

• Building positive, trusting relationships with children and young people, acting as a reliable and consistent presence in their lives.
• Supporting young people with daily routines, education, appointments and activities while promoting independence and life skills.
• Implementing individual care plans and using trauma-informed approaches to support behaviour and manage challenges positively.
• Maintaining accurate records, reports and handovers, and contributing to a positive and supportive home culture.
• Working closely with families, professionals and partner agencies to safeguard young people and promote their physical, emotional and social wellbeing.

To find out more about the role, contact Natasha Kelly at Natasha.kelly@buckinghamshire.gov.uk. Click Apply Now to discover more about this opportunity and to submit your application. Applications are shortlisted weekly, and Buckinghamshire Council reserves the right to close the vacancy once sufficient applications have been received, so early submission is strongly encouraged.

About You

Buckinghamshire Council is looking for individuals who can bring energy, empathy and professionalism to the team. The right candidate will be someone who listens, encourages, motivates and advocates for young people while helping them feel safe, respected and valued.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a relevant qualification in residential childcare or working with young people, or be committed to completing one if not already achieved — the expectation is that candidates work towards the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
• Have experience working with children, young people or vulnerable individuals, though this is desirable rather than essential.
• Have a good understanding of safeguarding, promoting welfare, and trauma-informed practice.
• Demonstrate strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively alongside families, professionals and partner agencies.
• Be able to remain calm and resilient when supporting young people with complex needs in challenging situations.
• Hold a full UK driving licence, which is an essential requirement for this role.
• Possess good IT and record-keeping skills and be a strong team player with a willingness to learn and develop.

Buckinghamshire Council is committed to equality, fairness and inclusion, and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The workforce is encouraged to reflect the diverse communities served across Buckinghamshire.

This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with barred list. It is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and applicants must declare all unspent convictions and conditional cautions, as well as all spent convictions and adult cautions that are not protected under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020 and 2023). Buckinghamshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.

Buckinghamshire Council's Offer to You

Buckinghamshire Council's children's residential home in Amersham offers the chance to work within a supportive, experienced team delivering trauma-informed care in a therapeutic environment. The council's employees have chosen a set of values that represent what it stands for: Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

The council actively encourages a good work-life balance and promotes flexible and agile working arrangements. Staff can expect:

• A fair and inclusive culture with dedicated staff networks overseen by an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group.
• Health and wellbeing initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops.
• A unified employee voice through the Employee Representative Group.
• Ongoing support and genuine opportunities to develop and progress your career.
• Auto-enrolment onto a generous pension scheme, discounts at cafés, restaurants and shops, discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva, and access to Costco membership.
• Opportunities to take part in fundraising and social events.