Senior Residential Childcare Officer - Engage 3 : Job Details

Reports to: Registered Manager / Deputy Manager

The Senior Residential Childcare Officer will provide leadership, guidance, and high-quality care for children and young people living within the home. The role focuses on ensuring safety, emotional well-being, and personal development, while creating a nurturing, structured environment that promotes resilience, learning, and positive outcomes.

1. Leadership & Team Support

• Act as shift leader, overseeing daily routines and delegating tasks to care staff.
• Provide guidance, mentoring, and on-the-job training for Residential Childcare Officers.
• Ensure all care practices meet the organisation’s standards, policies, and regulatory requirements.

2. Care & Safeguarding of Young People

• Build trusting, supportive relationships with young people, acting as a positive role model.
• Implement individual care plans, behaviour support strategies, and risk management plans.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and structured environment in line with safeguarding legislation and Ofsted requirements.
• Recognise and respond appropriately to signs of distress, emotional changes, or safeguarding concerns.

3. Behaviour Management & Emotional Support

• Use trauma-informed approaches to manage challenging behaviour calmly and effectively.
• Apply CPD-accredited de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution strategies.
• Promote emotional regulation and resilience, adapting support for young people with neurodiverse needs, including autism.

4. Education & Life Skills Development

• Encourage and support engagement in education, training, and personal development programmes.
• Deliver and facilitate activities such as PSHE sessions, life skills workshops, and mentoring opportunities.
• Support young people in building communication skills, self-confidence, and independence.

5. Record Keeping & Professional Liaison

• Maintain accurate records, daily logs, and incident reports in line with policies.
• Liaise effectively with schools, social workers, healthcare professionals, and families.
• Contribute to care reviews, planning meetings, and multi-agency discussions.

• Experience working with children and young people in residential, educational, or community settings.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, and behaviour management.
• Ability to lead a team and act as a positive role model.
• CPD in De-escalation and Autism Awareness (or willingness to undertake).
• Strong communication, organisational, and conflict resolution skills.
• Empathy, resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

• NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
• Experience working with children with complex needs, mental health conditions, or social care backgrounds.
• Experience in delivering mentoring, PSHE, or life skills programmes.

• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Respectful, patient, and compassionate in all interactions.
• Proactive, adaptable, and willing to take initiative.
• Dedicated to equality, diversity, and inclusion.