Residential Activity Worker

Keys Group; Maer; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A dedicated care organization in Maer, England, seeks a Residential Activity Worker to support children and young people with Emotional and Behavioural Disorders. This full-time role involves leading outdoor adventures like kayaking and hiking, providing emotional support, and fostering personal growth. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and hold a UK driving license. The position offers a competitive hourly wage with a structured rota for work-life balance and numerous benefits including generous leave and qualification funding.

Benefits

Generous annual leave (5.6 weeks)

Progressive pay structure for qualifications

Paid Enhanced DBS check

Fully funded QCF Level 3/5 qualifications

Employee Assistance Programme for mental health

Referral bonus for introducing friends

Qualifications

• Must be 21 or over and hold a full UK driver’s licence.
• Experience with children and young people with challenging needs is desired.
• Ability to work flexible shifts including weekends and evenings.

Responsibilities

• Provide consistent care and emotional support to children aged 8–18.
• Lead outdoor activities including hiking and canoeing.
• Work collaboratively with other staff as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Help young people develop confidence and life skills.

Skills

Passion for supporting children

Interest in outdoor education

Strong communication and teamwork

Emotional resilience

Job description

“Armed Forces Covenant – Proudly Supporting Those Who Serve”

Residential Activity Worker – Passion for the Outdoors & Youth Support

Position Based at Maer, Newcastle Under Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5

Salary £13.10 - £13.70 per hour (£26,566.80 – £27,783.60 per year)

Hours: Full-time, 39 hours per week (Permanent position)

Rota Pattern

• Work 4 consecutive days, followed by 7 days off
• A handover shift takes place on the Friday after each 4‑day working block
• After the 7‑day break, work 3 consecutive days, followed by a further 7 days off
• This rota offers a well‑balanced schedule with generous, regular time off, providing excellent work–life balance

Important Requirements – Please Read Before Applying

✅ A full, valid UK driver’s licence is required
✅ You must be at least 21 years of age to apply
✅ Experience supporting children and young people with challenging needs (desired).
⚠️ Applications that do not meet these criteria will not be considered.

✅ Make a Real Difference:

Do you thrive in the outdoors and want to make a life‑changing impact on young people’s lives?

Join Keys Group as a Residential Activity Worker, where your passion for nature, structure, and support becomes a powerful force in helping children and young people with Emotional and Behavioural Disorders (EBD) find hope, healing, and growth.

You’ll be part of a dedicated residential care team delivering a structured, therapeutic programme filled with outdoor adventures such as kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, and bushcraft — all designed to build confidence, develop life skills, and encourage positive change.

About the Role:

As an Activity Support Worker, you’ll live on‑site during your 4‑day shift pattern, providing consistent, caring support in a safe and stable home. Alongside your colleagues, you’ll lead outdoor activities, build strong, trusting relationships, and create opportunities for personal growth and emotional resilience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide consistent care and emotional support to children and young people aged 8–18
• Lead and participate in outdoor activities including hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, and bushcraft
• Support daily routines and promote positive behaviour and independence
• Work collaboratively with therapists, teachers, and support staff as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Help young people develop confidence, communication, and life skills

What We’re Looking For:

• A genuine passion for supporting children and young people
• Interest in outdoor education or adventure‑based learning
• Emotional resilience, patience, and a calm, supportive presence
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Flexibility to work shifts, including weekends and evenings
• Must be 21 or over, hold a full UK Driving Licence, and have the right to work in the UK

Why Join Keys Group?

• Generous Leave 5.6 Weeks annual leave
• Progressive pay structure – higher pay for achieved qualifications
• Paid DBS: We cover your Enhanced DBS check and renewals
• Fully funded QCF Level 3/5 qualifications in Social Care
• In‑house Circle App – our internal social platform
• Paid Enhanced DBS check and renewals
• Pension: Matched contributions up to 3% with our NEST scheme
• Blue Light Card – discounts at major retailers
• Employee Assistance Programme – mental health and wellbeing support
• Maternity leave
• Referral Bonus: £250 for you and your friend when they join

Keys Group are very proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant that means we have made a commitment to welcoming service personnel, veterans and military families into the group. We are delighted to have veteran friendly policies, offer a Veterans Peer Support Network within our teams and are able to offer Military Awareness and support to our colleagues.

As part of our commitment, we will offer a guaranteed interview to current and former service personnel providing that they meet the criteria of the role that they are applying for. If you feel that you meet the criteria for this, please ensure that you have your military experience detailed on your CV.

Keys Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone in our care and therefore this post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Ready to apply?

If you're ready to build a career with purpose and bring your outdoor passion to a meaningful care role – we want to hear from you.

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