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

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