Lilac Alliance are recruiting a Senior Care Worker for a therapeutic children’s residential home providing medium-term placements for children whose emotional and behavioural needs mean they are not yet able to live within a family setting.
The service focuses on stability, consistency, and therapeutic care, supporting children over a 12–18 month period with the aim of reintegrating them into a long-term or forever fostering family.
This is a senior, hands-on role with responsibility for leading shifts, supporting staff, and maintaining high standards of care within the home.
Care and Therapeutic Practice
Provide high-quality, child-centred therapeutic care in line with the home’s Statement of Purpose
Support children to explore emotions, memories, and experiences in a safe and nurturing environment
Implement and oversee individual care and therapeutic plans
Maintain consistent boundaries to promote safety and emotional containment
Act as a positive role model and build secure, meaningful relationships
Monitor safeguarding, recognising and responding to signs of distress or abuse
Support children with education, routines, homework, and daily living skills
Work alongside psychologists and other professionals to support effective care delivery
Support children during outings, holidays, short breaks, and family transitions
Leadership and Shift Management
Lead shifts and support Residential Care Workers
Allocate daily tasks and ensure standards of care are consistently met
Act as senior on shift in the absence of the Home Manager or Deputy
Mentor and support staff, including key-worker responsibilities
Contribute to care planning, reviews, and professional meetings
Multi-Agency Working
Liaise professionally with schools, social workers, and external agencies
Attend and contribute to team meetings, supervision, and training
Promote equality, diversity, and anti-discriminatory practice
Household and Safety Responsibilities
Maintain a warm, homely environment to a high standard
Take ownership of the home, including equipment and grounds
Manage health and safety processes and risk assessments
Support new staff with health and safety procedures
Monitor and manage expenditure in line with agreed processes
Requirements
Level 4 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) – essential
Experience supporting children with emotional and behavioural needs
Confident leading shifts and supporting staff teams
Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection
Calm, resilient, and emotionally aware approach
Willingness to work flexibly as part of a rota
Commitment to therapeutic, child-focused care
What’s on Offer
Comprehensive induction and training
Ongoing professional development and supervision
Supportive and stable working environment
Opportunity to make a meaningful, long-term difference to children’s lives
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Experience:
residential childrens care: 2 years (required)
Team Leader: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
NVQ Level 4 in residential children's care (required)