Residential Child Care Worker

Pebbles Care Limited; Penrith; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading children's residential care provider in Penrith seeks a Residential Child Care Worker to ensure the well-being of children and young people. This role offers flexible hours, training in Therapeutic Parenting, and a chance for progression within the company. Candidates need a valid UK driving license and a caring nature. With competitive pay and various employee benefits, this position is ideal for those passionate about child care and safeguarding vulnerable youth.

Benefits

Employee referral scheme of £400

Cash back health care plan

Free meals during working hours

Paid annual leave

Qualifications

• Valid UK manual driving license required.
• One year's experience with children is desirable.
• Ability to form non-judgmental relationships.

Responsibilities

• Ensure children's safety and well-being.
• Support care teams across multiple homes.
• Participate in activities and cooking.

Skills

Responsible for safeguarding children

Desire for childcare qualifications

Nurturing nature

Excellent communication skills

Proficient IT skills

Education

SCQF Level 7 or Level 3 Diploma relevant to childcare

Job description

Are you looking for a role that specialises in children’s residential care, can offer you flexible hours that fit around your other commitments, and can hold a full UK manual driving licence?

Pebbles Care is building a zero-hour workforce that will provide additional support for children and young people across Penrith and Carlisle.

Our zero-hour employees are eligible for our fantastic employee benefits, and you will have full access to internal opportunities for progression throughout the company.

Your role and responsibilities - Residential Child Care Worker

• You will ensure that our children and young people are cared for in every aspect of their lives, including keeping them safe from harm, supporting education, cooking, cleaning, and participating in fun activities.
• You will support our care teams across several homes in the same area.
• You will receive a full induction, shadow shifts, and in-depth training, including a full introduction to Therapeutic Parenting.
• We will communicate with you regularly regarding your availability for shifts. We require you to cover as many shifts as possible and request that you carry out at least one shift, every four weeks, to remain in the role.

What we offer you

• Your hourly rate is £12.75- £13.53 per day hour, and £80 per sleep payment, depending upon qualifications and training.
• Our Zero Hour employees may cover 24-hour shifts, including sleep overs, or part-time daytime shifts.
• You will accrue paid annual leave for every hour worked (Full time equivalent is 28 days.
• An employee referral scheme of £400 for every successful referral.
• A full in-depth introduction to Therapeutic Parenting.
• A cash back health care plan via Medicash, allows you to claim for dental and optical treatments, discounted gym memberships, 24/7 access to a GP, free access to counselling and much more.
• Blue Light Card – for store discounts
• Free meals during working hours
• A collaborative, considerate and progressive culture.

What sets Pebbles apart from other care providers?

• Our mission is to continue to lead the way in offering bespoke therapeutic care and education to vulnerable young people.
• Pebbles have fifty-six beautiful homes and three established schools across North England and Scotland for children and young people.
• We specialise in providing residential child care for vulnerable young people between the ages of 8 and 18.
• We have innovative and exciting plans for growth in 2026 and beyond.
• We have a wealth of skills and knowledge to share with you, and nearly 23 years’ experience in supporting young people to unlock brighter futures.
• Pebbles have excellent employee benefits and discounts that support your health and wellbeing.

Additional rewards and benefits that we offer you –

• Annual young people and employee awards ceremony
• Costs covered for updating your disclosure certificate
• Cost covered for professional membership fees, if relevant and essential for your role.
• Full access to an employee portal, intranet page and company newsletters.

Essential qualities that we look for are:

• Highly responsible and accountable when it comes to safeguarding children and young people
• A desire to pursue child care qualifications and training
• A nurturing and caring nature
• Patience and resilience, allowing you to form non-judgmental relationships
• An active and supportive listener
• A creative ability towards having fun and learning new skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient IT skills and experienced in using Microsoft packages
• A full, valid UK manual driver's licence, (all homes have their own manual vehicles)

Desirable qualities that we look for are:

• One year's experience working with children or young adults is highly desirable
• SCQF Level 7 (Scotland) or Level 3 Diploma (England) relevant to Children and Young People's Residential workforce or desire to work towards this.
• Familiar with the Codes of Practice set out by regulatory bodies, i.e. SSSC / Ofsted
• An existing PVG / DBS certificate or willingness to obtain this.

Are you ready to join our family?

Please complete our online application form. We thank you in advance for taking the time to complete it.

Our recruitment team will contact you as soon as possible via email or telephone to explain the next steps and answer any questions you may have.

All successful candidates must complete an online disclosure to work with children. The cost will be covered by Pebbles Care.