Residential Childcare Worker - Maple Cottage

North East Ambition; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A children's services provider is seeking a Residential Childcare Worker to join their team in Sunderland. The role involves creating a safe and stable environment for young people, requiring empathy and professionalism. Candidates should have experience working with children or young adults and be able to work flexible shifts. This position offers a competitive salary, benefits, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Flexible work arrangements

Employee wellbeing programs

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people in a supportive environment.
• Ability to stay calm and focused in challenging situations.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe and supportive environment for young people.
• Contribute to the wellbeing and development of the children.
• Work shifts throughout the year, including weekends and holidays.

Skills

Experience working with children or young people

Ability to communicate clearly

Calmness in challenging situations

Commitment to safeguarding

Willingness to learn

Job description

Residential Childcare Worker

Grade 5: £31,022–£33,699 per annum + 10% shift allowance

8‑week rota including evenings, weekends & sleep‑ins (£40.78 per sleep‑in)

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Maple Cottage Children’s Home

Closing date: 18.01.26
Interview Date: 27.01.26

Join our Team

Together for Children Sunderland is on a transformative journey to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people in Sunderland. We are an outstanding Ofsted‑rated Children’s service, and we would love to hear from anyone committed to helping children, families, and our community thrive.

About the role

As a Residential Child Care Worker you join a committed and experienced team within one of our Children’s Homes at Maple Cottage. Every day, you play a vital role in creating a safe, stable and supportive environment where young people can grow, feel understood and develop confidence for their future. You bring empathy, patience and professionalism to support young people’s individual journeys.

Children’s Homes can be challenging and rewarding. Your resilience, motivation and creativity make a real difference, especially during moments when young people need guidance, reassurance or consistency. In this role, you contribute directly to their wellbeing, development and ability to trust the people around them. What you do each day matters, shaping positive experiences and creating opportunities for young people to thrive.

The role requires shift working 365 days per year, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays and sleep‑ins.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We want you to apply if you:

• Have experience working with children or young people in a supportive, caring or educational setting (paid or voluntary).
• Can stay calm, patient and focused during challenging situations.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully, and can build positive relationships with young people and colleagues.
• Are willing to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays and sleep‑ins, as part of a supportive team.
• Are committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children and young people.
• Are open to learning, reflective practice and developing your skills through training.

For an informal discussion please contact Nicole Hodgson on 0191 9052712.

Why work with us?

• Make a difference: Our work matters. The work we do is incredibly rewarding. Join us and make a difference in the lives of our children, families and community.
• Inclusion: Thrive in our diverse and inclusive culture and be part of employee networks, including Accessibility, LGBTQ+, Racial Equality, Armed Forces and Menopause.
• Work‑Life Balance: We offer a hybrid model of working with agile and flexible arrangements, including part‑time opportunities, flexible hours and remote work.
• Professional Development: Advance your career with comprehensive induction, supervision, peer support and a supportive environment.
• Be part of a happier, healthier workforce: Benefit from wellbeing activities and employee assistance programmes.
• Attractive Salary, Benefits and Rewards: For additional information, contact [e-mail] or [e-mail] so we can discuss adjustments or support we can provide during recruitment or within the workplace. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants who meet essential criteria and indicate a disability, looked‑after status, care experience or veteran status.

We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including but not limited to various ages, disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, beliefs, races and ethnicities. We aim for our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

We are committed to making our application process accessible to everyone. Please reach out to our EDI Lead [e-mail] or [e-mail] so we can discuss any adjustments or support we can provide during recruitment or within the workplace.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants who can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated a disability, looked‑after status, care experience or veteran status.

Are you ready to make a difference?

Go to North East Jobs – Together for Children – Sunderland and complete our online application form.