Residential Workers

Residential Workers - Casual Contract

Opportunities are available across the County Durham Area

We have opportunities available to join the casual pool to work as and when required to provide additional support.

We have children’s homes across County Durham, including mainstream, short-break, long-break, 16 - 17 year-old provision, and planned respite care services.

Salary £30,024 - £33,699 pro-rata to hours worked.

OUR VALUES

Our service is built on the ‘Durham’ values – Dignity, Unity, Responsibility, Heart, Aspiration, and Mindset which are at the heart of everything we do for both our young people and our teams.

THE ROLE

As a Residential Worker, you will help create safe, supportive homes where children and young people can thrive and are aspirational for their futures. You will be at the heart of this mission by:

• Providing day-to-day care and emotional support
• Supporting our children and young people with school, appointments, and hobbies
• Working closely with families and professionals to promote stability and resilience 

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

The role can be challenging and requires dedication and resolve however, the personal rewards are immense. We are looking for child centred and emotionally resilient individuals who have:

• GCSE Grade A – C in Maths and English (or a qualification that is equivalent) OR Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare’

Applicants must hold a current driving licence and have access to a car (employees with a disability must have access to a means of mobility support).

All applicants must be aged 22+, an Enhanced DBS Disclosure is applicable to this post.

OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING

Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Children’s Barred List, due to the position working in regulated activity. Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation and will confirm whether an individual is barred from working with children.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

The role will involve working a range of shifts including weekdays, evenings, weekends and sleep in duties. The nature of shift patterns enables a level of flexibility for employees.
We operate a 365 days per year, 24 hours a day service. As part of this, our shift-based roles work on a rota basis and attract enhanced payments.  

You will benefit from a comprehensive programme of training to support you to develop in your role. As well as access to a wide ranging rewards and benefits offer, take a closer look via Rewards and Benefits

Ready to make a difference?

We would encourage you to contact us to arrange a discussion via View email address on northeastjobs.org.uk or View email address on northeastjobs.org.uk to find out more about the wide ranging opportunities we have available.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews are anticipated to be held Week Commencing 3rd August 2026.

REMOVAL AND LODGINGS

Removal, lodging and separation expenses may be available to the successful candidate if at the time of application for appointment their place of residence is outside the administrative area of County Durham and more than 30 miles in a straight line from their new administrative centre, along with several other criteria for eligibility.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.

HOW TO APPLY 

Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. For guidance on completing your application, visit our website

If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on View phone number on northeastjobs.org.uk, or via email View email address on northeastjobs.org.uk

All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from View email address on northeastjobs.org.uk . Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.

RIGHT TO WORK AND VISA INFORMATION

All offers of employment are subject to the council meeting its legal obligations under UK immigration law. Applicants must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK at the point an offer is made.

This post is remunerated at £30,024 per annum. UK immigration rules set minimum salary and other eligibility requirements for visa sponsorship. It is unlikely that this role will be eligible for skilled worker visa sponsorship. Whether an applicant meets these requirements depends on their individual circumstances, including any existing permission to work. Applicants who may require a visa are encouraged to check the current UKVI rules before applying.

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