About the role
Running shifts in a children’s home, holding the practice standard and developing the people around you.
These are the criteria providers across the UK typically set for this role, so you can judge your own fit before you apply anywhere. Individual services vary — any role we put you forward for will have its own criteria, pay and rota, and we confirm those with the provider first.
What the role usually involves
- Lead shifts and make in-the-moment decisions about safety, risk and response
- Supervise and mentor support workers, and model the practice you want to see
- Oversee daily logs, incident records, medication and the young people’s money
- Contribute to care planning, keywork and statutory reviews
- Deputise for the Deputy or Registered Manager when needed
Typical criteria
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, held rather than in progress
- At least a year in children’s residential care, including shift-leading
- Confident safeguarding practice and a clear sense of when to refer
- Working knowledge of the Children’s Homes Regulations and the quality standards
- A full UK driving licence
Often asked for as well
Not usually dealbreakers, but they widen the range of services that will consider you.
- Level 4 or 5 held, or readiness to start it
- Team Teach, MAPA or an equivalent at instructor level
- Experience of an Ofsted inspection from the floor
Hours and pay
Full-time on a rolling rota including sleep-ins, weekends and a share of on-call.
Solo and complex homes pay above general residential, and some providers add an on-call allowance. Sleep-in rates vary widely between providers on otherwise similar salaries.
Checks and eligibility
- An enhanced DBS check on the relevant barred list, or a current one on the update service we can check
- The right to work in the UK — we are not a licensed sponsor, so we cannot offer visa sponsorship or take over an existing certificate
- A full employment history with references covering it, including one from your most recent care employer
- Proof of identity and address, plus evidence of any qualification or professional registration the role depends on