Buckinghamshire Council
Children's Residential Worker
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Children's Residential Worker
Children’s Residential Worker – Buckinghamshire Council
Overview
Looking for a job where you can truly make a difference? Join our team as a Children’s Residential Worker and help shape brighter futures for young people who need it most.
If you have previous experience working with children and young people—or if you’re simply looking for a career change—we want to hear from you! We’re looking for dedicated, resilient, and compassionate individuals who can provide support, stability, and care through life’s challenges.
Quite literally one of the best jobs you could choose. – A current Residential Worker
Positions are available across Aylesbury, Amersham, High Wycombe, and Leighton Buzzard, including full-time day/night roles and relief work.
Take a look at our Children’s Residential Worker Candidate Pack to learn more.
About The Role
This is far more than a 9–5 job. As a Residential Worker, you’ll be part of a close-knit team, providing a positive, structured living environment where young people feel supported, valued, and safe.
Your Responsibilities May Include:
- Supporting young people with everyday routines like meals, bedtime, and hygiene.
- Facilitating emotional and social growth through engaging activities both in and outside of school.
- Acting as a consistent, positive role model while building trusting relationships.
- Managing behaviours using trauma-informed approaches tailored to each individual’s needs.
- Keeping detailed records, collaborating on care plans, and attending case conferences/reviews.
- Celebrating achievements (whether big or small) to encourage independence and confidence.
- Ensuring a welcoming, non-judgemental environment that meets each young person’s unique needs.
- Promoting equality and inclusion, actively challenging discriminatory practices in the home.
Additional Expectations:
- 24-hour care coverage, including sleep-in duties when required (with a sleep-in allowance).
- Collaboration with social workers, healthcare professionals, and families to create child-specific care plans.
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This role is rewarding but challenging—one where no two days are the same, and where your impact can be transformative.
About You
We’re looking for compassionate, empathetic individuals who are committed to helping young people overcome challenges.
Qualities We Value:
- A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable children, with patience and emotional resilience.
- Strong communication skills—being able to listen calmly and effectively, respond appropriately, and switch perspectives.
- Teamwork & independence; able to collaborate but also act self-directed when needed.
- Flexibility and adaptability—work shifts, nights, weekends, and unexpected changes.
- Inclusivity mindset; fostering a culture where every young person feels understood and supported.
Experience & Skills Required:
✔ Prior experience working with children or vulnerable adults (formal or voluntary roles). ✔ Full UK driving licence + access to a car (essential for relocations/activities). ✔ Basic IT proficiency (note-taking, digital records systems). ✔ Incentive: Current qualifications in children’s residential care (Level 2 or 3 Diploma) are helpful but not mandatory.
If you’ve never worked in residential care before, that’s no problem—we’ll provide training, support, and tailored guidance to help you succeed.
InOur Values & Culture
Buckinghamshire Council operates on four core values, chosen by members of our team:
- Proud – we take pride in our work and community impact.
- Ambitious – we drive progress individually and collectively.
- Collaborative – together, we achieve more.
- Trustworthy – our word is our bond.
What You’ll Gain:
✅ A supportive, inclusive culture that values every voice. ✅ Mental health & wellbeing services, including an Employee Assistance Programme and Mindfulness Workshops. ✅ Career development opportunities spanning training, new skill-building, and advancement. ✅ Bridging teams (such as the Employee Representative Group) to foster communication and engagement. ✅ Fun activities—fundraising, social events, and community involvement.
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We’re proud to be an accessible and diverse employer, advocating for fairness, equity, and inclusion.
Work-Life Balance & Benefits
Buckinghamshire recognises the value of a well-supported workforce and offers:
Perks & Rewards:
- Super discounts on food (Café & sustenance options), retail, and transport (including Arriva travel).
- Access to Costco as an employee benefit.
- Flexible working to meet personal commitments.
- Auto-enrolment into a generous pension scheme.
- Discounted gym memberships—because self-care matters!
Application Notes:
🔹 Unexpired right to work confirmation required (no visa sponsorship available). 🔹 Interviews are held on Thursdays, with applications reviewed weekly. 🔹 Vacancy may close early when we’ve received sufficient applications, so apply as soon as possible.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974), requiring the disclosure of:
- All unspent convictions and cautions.
- Spent convictions/notable cautions, where relevant based on the updated [Exceptions Order] (MoJ Guidance).
Apply Now
If you’re ready to make a meaningful difference, start your journey by contacting:
Laura Armstrong – laura.armstrong@buckinghamshire.gov.uk
📌 Full details and how to apply can be found here.
Buckinghamshire Council: Safeguarding Confident, Inclusive, and Grounded in Our Communities.
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