Residential Worker

About the role

This role is based at Buckinghamshire Council's new children's home in Steeple Claydon, where a close-knit team provides high-quality, 24-hour care and support to young people in a safe, nurturing environment. As a Residential Worker, you'll play a vital role in providing a stable, supportive home for young people, supporting their physical, emotional and social development while helping them build confidence, independence and positive life experiences.

Working a mixture of day and night shifts, you'll be involved in all aspects of daily life — from morning routines and school runs to community activities, emotional support and creating lasting memories. The team uses trauma-informed approaches and positive behaviour support strategies, acting as role models and corporate parents within a structured, boundaried setting.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting young people with daily routines, meals and activities
• Encouraging emotional and social development through community engagement and recreational activities
• Building positive, trusting relationships and acting as a role model
• Maintaining accurate records and contributing to care planning, reviews and reports
• Creating a warm, nurturing and inclusive environment where young people feel safe and valued

Shift patterns cover day and night work on a rota basis, including evenings, weekends and sleep-in duties where required. Opportunities exist for both day and night work, as well as relief positions.

To find out more, contact Emma Matthews at Emma.Matthews@buckinghamshire.gov.uk. The closing date is 23:59 on Sunday 29 November 2026. Applications are encouraged as early as possible, as the vacancy may close once sufficient applications have been received.

About You

Buckinghamshire Council welcomes applications from candidates with previous experience in a children's residential setting and those making a career change into residential childcare. Comprehensive training, support and development opportunities are provided to help you succeed and build a rewarding career.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be empathetic and patient, with a genuine commitment to supporting young people through life's challenges
• Communicate clearly and calmly, with the ability to listen and respond effectively in demanding situations
• Work confidently as part of a team and independently when required
• Demonstrate resilience when working in an emotionally and sometimes physically demanding environment
• Be flexible and adaptable, able to work shifts including evenings, weekends and nights
• Be committed to equality and inclusion, recognising and valuing diversity and challenging discriminatory practice

Buckinghamshire Council is committed to equality, fairness and inclusion, and welcomes applications from individuals whose backgrounds reflect the diverse communities served across the county. Applications are welcomed from candidates currently residing in the UK with established proof of right to work. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship in accordance with Home Office guidance.

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 are required to declare all unspent convictions and conditional cautions, and all spent convictions and adult cautions that are not protected as defined by 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

Children's Services at Buckinghamshire Council is on an improvement journey. A recent Ofsted inspection confirmed continued improvement and solid foundations for future success, built on strong partnerships and collaborative working. The team has a big, ambitious agenda, working at pace to achieve the best outcomes for children, young people and families across the county.

Residential Workers describe the work in their own words: "It's wonderful to make a difference to a child's life. You're doing everything you would do for them at home, but as a corporate parent within the structure and boundaries set within Buckinghamshire. If you're thinking about working in residential care, do it! It will be one of the best decisions you can make in your life."

Buckinghamshire Council's values — Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy — have been chosen by employees and shape the culture across the organisation. The offer to staff includes:

• A fair and inclusive culture, with dedicated staff networks overseen by an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group
• Health and wellbeing support including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• Flexible and agile working arrangements to support a productive work-life balance
• Auto-enrolment onto a generous pension scheme
• Discounts across cafés, restaurants, shops and gyms, Costco membership and travel discounts with Arriva
• Ongoing career development and progression opportunities
• And more, including fundraising and social events