Residential Care Worker

Lifestyles Residential Services Ltd; Derry/Londonderry; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading residential childcare organization in Derry/Londonderry is seeking dedicated individuals to provide supportive and therapeutic care for young people aged 12‑17. Candidates should possess at least a Level 3 qualification in a relevant field and a minimum of 1 year experience in residential childcare. This full-time role offers a salary ranging from £26,500 to £32,000, depending on experience and qualifications, and includes comprehensive training and numerous benefits. Join a team that values compassion, integrity, and teamwork to make a real difference in the lives of children.

Benefits

Comprehensive induction and training

Regular reflective practice sessions

Ongoing CPD and management development

Company pension

Private Health Care Scheme

Free on‑site parking

Qualifications

• A Level 3 qualification (or higher) in a relevant field (Health & Social Care, Youth Work, etc.).
• Experience in residential childcare or working with looked-after children (minimum 1 year).
• NISCC registration (or ability to register before starting).
• A full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Building meaningful relationships with young people.
• Supporting recovery from trauma by creating safe routines and boundaries.
• Applying understanding of attachment theory and trauma-informed models.
• Contributing to care planning and decision-making as part of the team.
• Providing calm responses during crises to help young people feel safe.
• Collaborating with professionals and families for holistic care.
• Recording observations and interventions clearly and accurately.

Skills

Compassion

Teamwork

Integrity

Resilience

Communication Skills

Empathy

Education

A Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care or Youth Work

Degree in Social Work, Youth Work, or Psychology

Job description

Is This You?

Do you see a difficult child or a child in difficulty?

At Lifestyles, we believe the difference lies in perspective and in the people who care enough to look deeper.

If you value compassion, teamwork, integrity, fun, and hard work, then we would love to hear from you. We're looking for people who bring heart as well as skill, people who want to make a real difference, who can laugh as well as listen, and who show up for young people even on the toughest days.

Because for the right person, this isn’t just a job it’s a calling.

At Lifestyles Residential Services, we believe that every child deserves a safe, stable, and nurturing home especially those who have faced trauma, disruption, or loss. Our staff don’t just clock in and out; they show up with heart, purpose, and resilience.

The Role

You’ll be joining our team at our Dungiven home, a large, well-equipped house designed for three young people aged 12‑17. The work is therapeutic, relational, and guided by the principles of safety, structure and support.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Building meaningful, consistent relationships with young people, becoming a trusted adult they can rely on.
• Supporting recovery from trauma by creating safe routines, setting healthy boundaries, and using co‑regulation to help manage emotions.
• Applying your understanding of attachment theory, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and trauma‑informed models to guide your daily practice.
• Contributing to care planning and decision‑making alongside your team; your voice and insight will help shape the direction of support.
• Providing calm, compassionate responses during times of crisis, helping young people feel safe, seen, and supported.
• Collaborating with professionals, families, and our in‑house MDT to ensure a joined‑up, holistic approach to care.
• Recording observations and interventions clearly and accurately, in line with safeguarding expectations and regulatory standards.

Essential – What You’ll Need

• A Level 3 qualification (or higher) in a relevant field (Health & Social Care, Youth Work, etc.)
• Experience in residential childcare or working with looked‑after children (minimum 1 year)
• NISCC registration (or ability to register before starting)
• A full UK driving licence

Desirable

• Training in therapeutic or trauma‑informed care approaches
• A degree in Social Work, Youth Work, or Psychology
• Experience working in residential
• Confidence in leading shifts and supporting colleagues

Terms & Benefits

• Salary: £26,500 – £32,000 (DOE & qualifications)
• Hours: Full‑time, 38 hours per week (rotational shifts incl. sleep‑ins)
• Location: In person Dungiven
• Contract: Permanent

Benefits

• Comprehensive induction and training
• Regular reflective practice sessions
• Ongoing CPD and management development
• Company pension
• Private Health Care Scheme
• Free on‑site parking

Join Our Waiting List

We’re also compiling a 12‑month waiting list for similar vacancies in the Dungiven or wider area. If the timing isn’t quite right, submit your interest anyway and we’ll be in touch when the next opportunity arises.

Lifestyles adheres to the Access NI Code of Practice; a copy of the policy will be made available to you upon request. An enhanced Access NI disclosure check will be required for this post. Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar you from working within Lifestyles. A copy of Lifestyles Ex‑Offenders Recruitment Policy can be made available upon request. A copy of Lifestyles Secure Handling of Storage and Retention of Disclosure Information Policy is also available upon request.

Skills

Residential Care Support Social