Senior Residential Care Worker

Senior Residential Care Worker

Location: Smeeth, Ashford

Salary & Sleep-in Payments: £33,273.24 to £43,797.00 (includes payment for 2 sleep-ins per week, dependent on experience and based on either our 39-hour or 45-hour contract options)

About Us

For over 110 years, The Caldecott Foundation has been helping children build a future. We provide homes, schools and therapeutic services for children and young people who have experienced trauma, adversity and disrupted relationships.

We focus on creating safe, nurturing and playful environments where young people can develop life skills, grow in confidence, enjoy new opportunities and feel a genuine sense of belonging.

About the Role

As a Senior Residential Care Worker, you will play a key role in supporting the day-to-day running of the home. You’ll lead by example, guide the team, and help ensure high standards of care, safety and support for children and young people.

You will work closely with the Registered Manager and Deputy Registered Manager, contributing to assessments, care planning and the delivery of consistent, high-quality support across the home.

This role includes working a rota and participating in sleep-in duties.

What Kind of Person We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is confident, compassionate and committed to helping young people feel safe, understood and supported.

You’ll be able to:

• Lead and support colleagues as part of a collaborative team


• Build trusting, positive relationships with young people


• Stay calm, reflective and grounded in challenging situations


• Guide others in trauma-informed practice and child-centred care


• Communicate clearly and contribute to reports, records and assessments


• Meet the practical demands of the role, including working a rota and participating in sleep-ins


• Drive Foundation vehicles to transport young people to activities and appointments

Key Responsibilities

As a Senior Residential Care Worker, you will:

• Support the Registered Manager and Deputies with the day-to-day running of the home


• Lead and guide the staff team to maintain high standards of care and safeguarding


• Contribute to assessments, care planning and reviewing young people’s needs


• Provide consistent support to young people during times of stress or crisis


• Maintain a safe, nurturing and positive home environment


• Ensure young people are informed, involved and supported in planning their lives


• Communicate effectively with families, colleagues and external professionals

Essential Experience & Qualifications

You will need to have:

• A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)


• Proven experience working in a children’s residential setting


• Experience leading or supporting groups of children or young people


• Strong communication and teamwork skills


• An understanding of trauma and the impact it can have on behaviour


• A commitment to inclusive, child-centred practice


• A full driving licence

What We Can Give You

• 28 days’ holiday (including bank holidays), rising to 30 days after 3 years


• Career development, including funded qualifications up to master’s level


• Health cashback scheme (covering you and up to four children)


• Pension scheme with up to 5% employer contributions


• Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme


• Access to retail, food and entertainment discounts


• Cycle-to-work scheme and will writing service

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team where everyone feels valued, respected and able to be themselves. The children and young people we support come from many different backgrounds, and we believe our workforce should reflect and celebrate that diversity. We welcome applications from people of all ages, backgrounds and lived experiences who share our commitment to helping children build brighter futures.

Sound Like a Match?

If you’re ready to lead by example, support young people through both challenge and achievement, and help create a safe and nurturing home environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Please click apply to be redirected to our website.

Please note: The Caldecott Foundation is committed to safeguarding children. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check in line with safer recruitment guidelines.