Residential Child Care Officer, Short Breaks

About the role

Ade Adepitan Short Break Centre is a short breaks and respite service within the London Borough of Brent, supporting children and young people with a wide range of disabilities, including autism, ADHD, complex care needs, and profound disabilities. No two days are ever the same, and no two children or young people have the same care needs.

As a Residential Child Care Officer, you will provide high-quality, person-centred care that reflects each child's individual wishes, feelings, and aspirations, while supporting them to develop independence skills and prepare for adulthood. The role involves direct, hands-on support — including specialist medical routines such as gastrostomy care — alongside meaningful activity planning, key-working, and close collaboration with families and professionals. Full training will be provided across all specialist areas.

The centre operates a long-week/short-week rota. Shifts run mornings (07:00–14:30) or afternoons (14:00–21:30), with short weeks covering four working days and long weeks covering six, including weekends. During school hours, staff carry out key-working tasks rather than direct care. Sleep-in shifts are required where needed. Contracted hours are 36 per week.

This role includes:

• Supporting children with personal care, including bathing, dressing, toileting, and moving and handling using manual and ceiling hoists
• Planning and leading activities tailored to individual interests, and taking part in regular community outings via the centre's on-site minibus
• Undertaking key-working responsibilities, including maintaining care records, updating risk assessments, and attending school and home visits
• Working in partnership with parents, schools, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), social workers, and health professionals to deliver consistent, holistic support
• Taking on shift-leading duties when required, providing handover to the night team

To apply, click Apply Now to submit your application. You must include a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria in the job description — applications without one may not be considered. A CV may be uploaded to support your application but cannot replace the supporting statement. For recruitment enquiries or to request reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process, contact recruitment@brent.gov.uk.

About You

Brent is looking for someone who brings warmth, patience, and emotional intelligence to their work with children and young people with disabilities. You will be comfortable in a physically and emotionally demanding environment, and committed to providing outstanding, person-centred care.

The ideal candidate will:

• Understand and value the individual needs of children and young people with disabilities, and be committed to helping them achieve their full potential
• Be able to plan and lead engaging activities that promote enjoyment, learning, and development
• Produce clear, accurate, and professional care documentation, and be confident using electronic recording systems
• Work effectively in partnership with parents, schools, health professionals, social workers, and other agencies
• Have a strong commitment to safeguarding, dignity, equality, and person-centred care
• Be able to work flexibly on a rota pattern, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-in shifts where required
• Be resilient, adaptable, and willing to take on shift-leading responsibilities when required

Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects the people it serves. Applications are welcomed from all sections of the community. All employees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and candidates may be assessed on their understanding of and ability to contribute to an inclusive working environment.

As a Disability Confident employer, Brent guarantees an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. This includes people with hidden disabilities, long-term health conditions, diagnoses, and mental health conditions. An interview is also guaranteed to care-experienced applicants who meet the essential criteria. This role is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with barred list. Information collected during the application process will be shared with Cifas for the prevention of fraud and other seriously improper conduct.

Brent's Offer to You

Ade Adepitan Short Break Centre is a small, supportive team where colleagues work together to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and young people. Staff are supported through regular supervision sessions, reflective practice discussions, and team meetings, with ongoing opportunities to learn from one another. The variety and complexity of support offered provide opportunities for professional development rarely found within more traditional residential settings — whether your interests lie in children's services, disability support, safeguarding, health and social care, or education.

In-depth training is provided in the Positive Approach, with a strong focus on supporting autistic children and young people, alongside specialist training in moving and handling, medication administration, gastrostomy care, and communication support. Brent knows people do their best work when they feel valued, supported, and able to grow. Benefits include:

• 27 days' annual leave, rising with length of service, plus bank holidays
• Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
• Health and wellbeing support, including a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and eye test support
• Financial wellbeing support, including childcare deposit loans and season ticket loans
• Affordable parking nearby and a Cycle to Work scheme
• Access to My Brent Rewards with exclusive discounts on shopping, travel, leisure, and entertainment
• Supportive family-friendly policies, including carers' leave and compassionate leave for eligible employees