Residential Childrens Worker (Peak Lodge - The Willows) (2 Posts)

Salary details: £ - £

We are looking for Residential Children’s Workers to join our dedicated team at Peak Lodge - The Willows, where relationships, stability, and therapeutic care sit at the heart of everything we do.

This is more than a job, it’s an opportunity to be part of a supportive, skilled team that provides safe, nurturing, and life‑changing care to children and young people with emotional and social needs.

About Us 

Derbyshire County Council operates 12 children’s residential homes across the county, providing high-quality care to children and young people.

Our approach is based on:

• Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy (PACE)
• Trauma-informed practice
• Social pedagogy
• A person-centred model of care

These principles guide how we deliver consistent support and help young people develop and achieve positive outcomes.

The Role 

As a Residential Children’s Worker, you will work as part of a small, supportive team to provide day-to-day care for children and young people.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Building strong, trusting relationships with children and young people
• Creating a safe, homely, and structured environment
• Using the PACE approach (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy) in daily practice
• Supporting children with education, routines, activities, and emotional wellbeing
• Remaining calm, consistent, and compassionate during challenging situations
• Working in line with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards
• Completing accurate recording and care documentation
• Working collaboratively with schools, social workers, health professionals, and partner agencies
• Actively attending and participating in team meetings, handovers, training, and reflective practice

This is a hands-on role where you will use your judgement, initiative and teamwork skills in a structured care environment.

We are looking for individuals who

• Are open to relationship-focused and psychologically informed practice
• Can work both independently and as part of a team
• Have good communication and organisational skills
• Have an understanding of, or willingness to learn about, relevant legislation and standards

Qualifications 

• Hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent), or
• Be willing to complete this qualification within 2 years of starting

Working Pattern and Pay 

Residential Childrens Worker roles attract the following additional payments. This Residential Childrens Worker role is shift based (earlies, late’s and sleep in’s) to provide 24hr care.

Salary details: Grade 9 £16.77- £17.79 Monday to Sunday 7am-7pm. After 7pm until 7am £22.36 - £23.72. Bank Holidays £33.54 - £35.58.

Sleep-in duty, you will be paid a basic duty payment rate of £34.76. Any additional time worked as a result of being called to work when sleeping in will be paid at the appropriate rate for the day/time of day. Bank holidays: sleep-in duties that span into or out of a bank holiday will be enhanced to double the basic duty payment rate.

Benefits 

Working for Derbyshire County Council includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave and flexi-time
• Travel expenses
• Discounted leisure membership
• Free parking at most sites
• Access to occupational health, counselling and physiotherapy services
• Cycle to work scheme

Thank you for your interest in joining us. Please note that previous applicants for this position need not reapply.

Provisional interview date: 2 July 2026

Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided. Click here to see our policy on criminal background checks.

The job may require unsocial hours working including weekends and Bank Holidays. Payment arrangements will be detailed in any contract offer made.

Saturday and Sunday hours will be paid at plain time where it is part of your normal working pattern unless it is between 7pm and 7am, where enhanced rates of pay apply. Enhanced pay rates are paid for Bank Holiday working.

Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us! By joining Derbyshire County Council you will have access to a range of amazing rewards and employee benefits, including our generous annual leave scheme, excellent local government pension and fantastic employee discounts. To discover more detail about the rewards and benefits available to you, click here

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Important: Derbyshire County Council holds a sponsorship licence, but this role does not offer visa sponsorship. Please apply only if you already have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship, as applications that do not meet this requirement will be rejected.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.