Residential Child Care Officer

Join Us - Be a Voice for Vulnerable Children and Young People and Make a Lasting Difference
The Role

Ade Adepitan Short Break Centre offers something truly unique. No two days are ever the same, and no two children or young people have the same care needs. Working within a short break service provides the opportunity to support a diverse group of children and young people with a wide range of disabilities, including Autism, ADHD, complex care needs, and profound disabilities.

As a member of our dedicated team, you will play an important role in supporting children and young people to develop their independence skills and prepare for adulthood. The role involves providing high-quality, person-centred care and ensuring that each child is supported in a way that reflects their individual wishes, feelings, and aspirations.

Duties will include supporting children with personal care, which may involve bathing, showering, dressing, toileting, changing continence pads, moving and handling, and assisting with transfers from bed to chair, chair to bed, or wheelchair using manual and ceiling hoists. You will also plan and lead meaningful activities, participate in regular community outings supported by our on-site minibus, and undertake key-working responsibilities to help ensure children's voices remain at the centre of their care and support.

You will work closely with parents, schools, CAMHS, social workers, health professionals, and other agencies to provide consistent, holistic support that meets each child's individual needs and promotes positive outcomes.
This role provides valuable hands-on experience supporting children and young people with a broad range of complex needs, including autism, profound disabilities, and specialist medical routines such as gastrostomy care.

Full training will be provided. The variety and complexity of support offered make this a highly rewarding role and provide opportunities for professional development rarely found within more traditional residential settings.

Whether you are looking to build a long-term career in children's services, disability support, safeguarding, health and social care, or education, this role provides an excellent foundation for future progression.

What to Expect in the Role

Shift Pattern and Working Hours

We operate a long-week/short-week rota designed to provide consistency for children and young people while supporting a healthy work-life balance for staff.

Shift Patterns:
• Morning Shift: 07:00 - 14:30
• Afternoon Shift: 14:00 - 21:30
• Short Week: 4 working days
• Long Week: 6 working days, including weekends
• Shift Leaders work until 22:00 to provide a handover to the night team

During school hours, staff undertake key-working responsibilities including:
• Completing paperwork and care records
• Planning activities and support sessions
• Attending meetings
• Conducting school visits and home visits
• Reviewing and updating risk assessments
• Liaising with families and professionals

Training and Development
We are committed to supporting our staff to develop and grow professionally.

You will have access to a comprehensive programme of face-to-face and online training designed to build confidence, knowledge, and specialist skills. Staff are actively encouraged to continuously develop their practice and pursue learning opportunities.

You will receive in-depth training in the Positive Approach, with a strong focus on supporting autistic children and young people, including those who may display behaviours of concern. Training is also provided in specialist areas, including moving and handling, medication administration, safeguarding, gastrostomy care, and communication support.

Our Team Culture
We are proud to have a small, supportive, and friendly team where colleagues work together to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and young people.

While the role can be physically and emotionally demanding, it is incredibly rewarding. Staff are supported through regular team meetings, supervision sessions, reflective practice discussions, and ongoing opportunities to learn from one another and share experiences.

We value teamwork, respect, inclusion, and a positive working environment where every member of staff feels supported and appreciated.

Supporting Children and Young People
Everything we do is centred around the voices, needs, and aspirations of the children and young people we support.
Our work includes:
• Supporting children and young people to build independence skills and prepare for adulthood
• Delivering enjoyable and meaningful activities tailored to individual interests
• Regular community outings and experiences supported by our dedicated minibus service
• Key-working sessions that capture and promote children's wishes, feelings, and choices
• Building positive relationships with children, families, schools, CAMHS, social workers, and health professionals
• Providing consistent, holistic, and person-centred support that promotes wellbeing, inclusion, and positive outcomes

The Person
We are looking for someone who:
✨ Brings warmth, compassion, patience, and emotional intelligence to their work
✨ Understands and values the individual needs of children and young people with disabilities
✨ Is passionate about helping children achieve their full potential and develop independence skills
✨ Can confidently plan and lead engaging activities that promote enjoyment, learning, and development
✨ Is willing to take on responsibility, including undertaking shift-leading duties when required
✨ Can produce clear, accurate, and professional care documentation and maintain detailed records
✨ Is confident using technology and electronic recording systems
✨ Works effectively in partnership with parents, schools, health professionals, social workers, and other agencies
✨ Has a strong commitment to safeguarding, dignity, equality, and person-centred care
✨ Can work flexibly on a rota pattern, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-in shifts where required
✨ Is resilient, adaptable, and committed to providing outstanding care and support

✨ Is willing to learn specialist skills — including gastrostomy feeding, suctioning and behaviour support (full training provided)

You'll also hold (or be working towards) a Level 4 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent.

Why Join Ade Adepitan Short Break Centre?
✔ Permanent contract and job security
✔ Extensive training and development opportunities
✔ Opportunity to learn specialist skills and work with a wide range of complex needs
✔ Supportive and family-friendly team culture
✔ Meaningful and rewarding work that changes lives
✔ Excellent experience for careers in children's services, social care, education, nursing, psychology, safeguarding, and disability support

Join our team and help children and young people thrive, achieve independence, and reach their full potential.
Ready to Apply?

Click the “Apply Now” button below. Make sure to include:
• A supporting statement showing how you meet the essential requirements in the person specification
• A CV if you wish (CVs alone won’t be accepted)