Residential Worker

Residential Worker

PermanentFull Time

28914 to 36581 per annum (includes allowance)

Location:Colchester

Working Style:Fixed-base worker

Closing Date:Tuesday 22nd of September 2026 at 11.59pm.

Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this must have a current unrestricted right to work in the UK.

Interview Dates:Tuesday15th to Friday 18th September.

Are you interested in working with children and young people to make a difference in their lives If so then this could be the right opportunity for you.

It is an exciting time to join Essex County Council as we invest in and expand our residential provision and not only have we been named Outstanding by Ofsted we are delighted to have been crownedSocial Work Employer of the Yearfor the second time in the last three years!

Why work with us

• 26 days annual leave(Full Time Equivalent)
• 37 hour working week - Monday to Sundayover a mixture of early (07:00am 14.30pm) and late (14:00pm 21.30pm) shifts withevery other weekend off.
• Opportunity for overtime.
• Local Authority Defined Benefit Pension Scheme. For more details please visit: your skills to make a difference to the lives of local children and families who experience difficulties and inequalities.
• Work for a team with great team morale and friendly helpful and supportive colleagues.
• Access high quality training and development to help develop your career within the child and family sector.

This role will bebased on-site at Colchester a five bedded home for young people between the age of 11-17. You will be working as part of a multidisciplinary team to support young people that have experienced trauma.

Being a Residential Worker requires a special kind of person.Day to day your main focus will be on providing nurturing therapeutic care to children who have experienced trauma supporting and caring for them as a parent would and each day brings unique experiences filled with both highs and lows.

Previous experience of working in a childrens home would be beneficial however there are many skills that you might have that would make you suitable for the role. It is important to be open minded and have a flexible and adaptable attitude and be able to manage challenges with a calm and patient demeanour. You will have an ability/willingness to understand and manage challenging behaviour including aggression and violence using a range of de-escalation techniques. You will also need to have effective written and verbal communication skills.

If you dont already have a Level 3 Diploma you will need to complete this within 2 years of successful completion of probation period and you will be supported with this. We will also provide you with all the training you need for the role along with good quality regular supervision. This together with the right attitude and access to a full in-house induction will enable you to start your career with Essex County Council with confidence.

You will work 37 hours per week over a mixture of early (07:00am 14.30pm) and late (14:00pm 21.30pm) shifts across 7 days a week / 365 days a year working pattern and have every other weekend off.

If shortlisted the interview process will be a one stage process where you will attend the home for a face-to-face interview.

Due to nature of this role any applicants need to be at least21 years oldto undertake this post.

The salary offered is made up of a basic salary 26286 to 33256 perannum and a guaranteed allowance of 10% - 2628.60 to 3325.60 per annum paid monthly alongside the basic salary.

If you would like to know more about this role please contact Wayne Russell - Registered Home Manager and / or Marcus Gill - Deputy Home Manager - to arrange an informal chat.

To read more about our business area please visit: Children & Families

Please take a look at ourNo Magic Children & Families video

Why Essex

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents were committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity we ensure everyone matters in Everyones Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community Essex is the ideal place for you.

In February 2025 Greater Essex was accepted onto the Governments devolution priority programme which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR) on our careers site.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. Were committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. Were also committed to interview allveteransandcare leavers who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Once youve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.

At Essex County Council we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities blogs news events and industry related news at Essex County Council please join The Essex Talent Community

If you have queries on this role or require anything further please email

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