Join Us as a Residential Childcare Support Worker!

Company: North Lakes Children’s Services

Location: Carlisle

Contract Type: Full-time, permanent

Specific Hours: 42 hours per week - shift pattern

Salary: Starting at £28,893.07 per annum, with potential earnings up to £32,150.35 through sleep-in shifts.

Qualified Salary: Starting at £29,868.38 per annum, with potential earnings up to £33,125.66 through sleep-in shifts.

(Qualified Care Worker salary is based on the proven completion of a Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare)

What We Offer

• Sleep-in allowance of £62.50 per night (up to £3,257.28 extra per year)
• Generous holiday entitlement of up to 6 weeks
• A flexible rota pattern of 2 days on, 2 days off, with staggered start times (8am, 12noon, or 2pm)
• Free meals while on duty
• Company pension plan
• Employee discounts and wellbeing programs
• Comprehensive training and ongoing professional development
• Funded Level 3 & 5 qualifications
• Clear pathways for promotion
• Monthly clinical and professional supervision with therapeutic support

About North Lakes

At North Lakes Children’s Services, we provide residential care and education for boys aged 6-18, empowering them to build resilience, confidence, and essential life skills.

As a Residential Support Worker, you will be a positive role model—supportive, approachable, and dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of young people.

Main Duties

• Implement daily shift plans, routines, and handovers (during term-time and holidays).
• Assist boys with morning/evening routines, personal care, meals, school runs, activities, and bedtime.
• Encourage life skills, independence, room cleanliness, and social development.
• Attend appointments and support activity plans and daily targets.
• Complete necessary paperwork, checks, and budgeting tasks.
• Perform household duties including cleaning, laundry, shopping, and meal preparation.
• Conduct safety checks (COSHH, fire safety, vehicle checks).
• Build positive relationships with families and organize family time.
• Act as a Keyworker, providing empathy, consistency, and meaningful support.

Requirements

• Flexibility to work 14-hour shifts (2 on / 2 off) with rotating start times (08:00, 12:00, 14:00), including sleep-ins.
• Understanding of the challenges faced by young people in care.
• Level 3 Residential Childcare (or equivalent) or willingness to work toward the qualification.
• Excellent communication and listening skills.
• A willingness to learn and work effectively within a small team.
• Ability to pass an enhanced DBS check (paid for by the organization).
• Experience with EBD, social care, residential work, or youth work is advantageous.
• Full, clean UK driving license and flexibility to cover other homes when needed.

North Lakes Children’s Services is an equal opportunities employer, actively encouraging applications from suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff to share this commitment.