Children's Residential Worker

About the role

This is a Residential Worker position based in a new children's home in Steeple Claydon, providing high-quality care and support to young people in a stable, nurturing environment. You'll be part of a close-knit team, supporting children with 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. Opportunities are available for both day and night work, as well as relief positions, giving flexibility in how you contribute to the team's 24-hour care provision. Sleep-in duties are required where needed, with a sleep-in allowance payable.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting young people with daily routines, meals and activities.
• Encouraging emotional and social development through community engagement and recreational activities.
• Supporting children using trauma-informed approaches and positive behaviour support strategies.
• 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.

To find out more, contact Emma Matthews at Emma.Matthews@buckinghamshire.gov.uk. The closing date is 23:59 on Sunday 25 October 2026. Buckinghamshire Council reserves the right to close the vacancy once sufficient applications have been received, so early application is advised.

About You

Buckinghamshire Council welcomes applications from candidates with previous experience in a children's residential setting and from those considering 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.
• Communicate effectively, able to listen, understand and respond calmly in challenging situations.
• Be resilient and able to work within an emotionally and sometimes physically demanding environment.
• Be flexible and adaptable, able to work shifts including evenings, weekends and nights.
• Demonstrate a commitment to equality and inclusion, recognising and valuing diversity.
• Be a strong team player while also being confident working independently.

Buckinghamshire Council is committed to equality, fairness and inclusion for everyone, and believes its workforce should reflect the diverse communities it serves. Applications are welcomed from all backgrounds.

This role 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, as well as 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). For further information on filtering, refer to Nacro guidance and Ministry of Justice guidance.

Buckinghamshire Council welcomes applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship in accordance with Home Office guidance.

Buckinghamshire Council's Offer to You

Children's Services at Buckinghamshire Council is on an improvement journey. A recent Ofsted inspection confirmed continued improvement despite the pressures of the pandemic, with solid foundations built for future success. Relationships with partners are strong, and collective work with The Buckinghamshire Safeguarding Children Partnership continues to improve responses to children exposed to domestic abuse, exploitation, substance misuse and mental health issues.

Buckinghamshire Council's values — Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy — were chosen by its employees and shape how the organisation works. Staff benefit from:

• A fair and inclusive culture, with dedicated staff networks overseen by the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group.
• Health and wellbeing initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops.
• Ongoing support with opportunities to develop and progress your career.
• Auto-enrolment onto a generous pension scheme.
• Discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva, access to Costco membership, and discounts across various cafés, restaurants and shops.
• Flexible and agile working arrangements that support a good work-life balance.

Buckinghamshire Council is a Disability Confident employer and is committed to being an accessible and inclusive organisation where all colleagues feel engaged, listened to and valued.