Senior Residential Child Care Officer

Senior Residential Child Care Officer

Location - Newcastle & Sunderland

Pay Rate - £16.56 per hour

(Shift‑based role including evenings, weekends, sleep‑ins and bank holidays as required)

Job Purpose

The Senior Residential Child Care Officer is responsible for providing quality, child‑centred care to children and young people living in a residential setting. The role involves leading shifts, supervising staff, and supporting the Registered Manager to ensure the home operates safely, consistently, and in line with statutory regulations and best practice.

You will act as a positive role model, promoting stability, emotional wellbeing, safeguarding, and positive outcomes for children and young people with complex needs.

Key Responsibilities

Care & Support

• Deliver a safe, nurturing and structured environment that meets the emotional, social, educational and behavioural needs of children and young people.
• Build positive, professional and trusting relationships with children, acting as a consistent and reliable adult.
• Support children with daily routines including education, leisure activities, appointments and family contact.
• Promote independence, life skills and positive behaviour using therapeutic and trauma‑informed approaches.

Safeguarding & Compliance

• Take responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children in line with statutory guidance and organisational policies.
• Identify, report and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, incidents and allegations.
• Ensure accurate, timely and high‑quality record keeping, including care plans, incident reports and daily logs.
• Work in line with Children's Homes Regulations, Ofsted standards and local authority requirements.

Essential

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) - or willingness to work towards Level 4.
• Significant experience working in a residential childcare setting.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, child protection and residential childcare legislation.
• Ability to lead shifts and supervise staff effectively.
• Excellent communication, recording and organisational skills.
• Resilience, emotional intelligence and the ability to manage challenging behaviour.
• Willingness to work a flexible shift pattern.
• Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one).
• Full UK driving licence (desirable depending on service needs).

Desirable

• Level 4 or 5 qualification in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare.
• Experience working with children with trauma, attachment difficulties or complex needs.
• Knowledge of Ofsted inspection frameworks.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay at £16.56 per hour
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Supportive leadership and a values‑led working environment
• Making a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people in the North East

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.