Exciting opportunity to join our team as a Casual Children's Residential Worker
Working in Residential Childcare at Wakefield Council
More than just a job
Working in one of Wakefield Council’s children’s homes is a chance to change lives and transform your own future. Every child deserves a safe, loving home and positive experiences that set them up for life. That’s why residential childcare is so important, and why we’re looking for people who care.
Who we're looking for
You don’t need a degree or formal qualifications to start. We welcome people from all walks of life who are:
1. Warm, nurturing, and emotionally intelligent
2. Have enthusiasm and self-motivated with good communication skills.
3. Great at building trusting relationships
4. Resilient and committed to making a difference
5. Equipped with transferable skills from other careers or life experiences
Wakefield is ambitious for children and have adopted an innovative approach throughout its residential model.
We are seeking to appoint suitably skilled, motivated and caring Casual Children’s Residential Worker, to work with and support children and young people aged between 9 to 17 years of age.
There are times when children and young people in care require additional support to manage complex trauma. Placements of a warm, supportive and have a homely feel are hard to find, and this can result in multiple placement breakdowns before a suitable placement that can contain risk and manage social and emotional needs is found. The result of this leads to young people who are most vulnerable being placed a long way from home and not always achieving the best outcomes. We provide loving homes for children to remain in Wakefield and only receive the best possible care.
We’re committed to making Wakefield not just a great place to work—but a great place to thrive.
What our children say:
I love spending time with my carers.
They mean the world to me.
My carers care about my family as well
What our colleagues say:
What is the best thing working for the Mainstream Residential Service from a children’s residential worker perspective:
6. The Head of Service has worked every role and is always supportive. Achievements are celebrated and everyone is heard.
7. We strive for positive outcomes
8. The team I work in is amazing.
9. Being part of the change and seeing the outcomes is the best.
10. Helping make a difference in young people’s lives that lasts a lifetime
11. Every day is a new opportunity to make a difference for someone
Registered Manager – I have worked as a Registered Manager at Wakefield Council in the small homes for 5 years. I love the support, development, ethos, values and most of all the outcomes you can achieve for our children. Our homes are child focused, connections are strong, and our children are happy.
Assistant Manager – We create memories and children can enjoy their childhood. We are mentors and believe in the power of one. We provide an environment where children feel supported to fulfil their potential.
Why Wakefield?
Wakefield Council is setting the standard for residential childcare. With nearly half of our children’s homes rated Outstanding and the rest Good, we’re proud to be recognised nationally for our commitment to quality, innovation, and staff wellbeing.
We don’t just support children—we support the people who care for them. From monthly wellbeing consultations to a hybrid Learning Academy and clear career progression routes, we’re building a workforce that’s skilled, supported, and inspired.
Training and development
Our people are our greatest strength. We believe that when you grow, so does the impact you make—and that’s why we’re committed to investing in your development from day one. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take the next step, we offer structured, supported pathways to help you build a rewarding career in residential childcare.
12. Level 3 Diploma / Level 4 Apprenticeship in Residential Childcare
13. Mandatory and specialist training tailored to your role
14. Access to fully funded Social Worker Apprenticeships for internal candidates
About our Children and Young People’s Service
Wakefield’s Children’s Services are Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ in children’s social care, and we’re proud of our transformation journey. We’ve created a culture where good practice is celebrated, and staff are supported to grow and thrive.
15. Small, stable teams with manageable caseloads
16. Strong multi-agency partnerships and co-located teams
17. Dedicated Learning Academy and bespoke training
18. Clear progression pathways and leadership development
19. Emotional Wellbeing Team
We’re committed to ensuring every child and young person in Wakefield is happy, healthy, and safe, and we’re looking for passionate individuals to help us achieve that vision.
About Wakefield Council
Wakefield Council is a stable, ambitious, and well-run authority with a strong reputation for delivering excellent services. We’re proud to be part of a district of over, people, with a diverse mix of city, urban, and rural communities.
20. We’re one of five metropolitan councils in West Yorkshire and part of the thriving Leeds City Region.
21. Our £8 billion economy is driven by strengths in health and care, manufacturing, logistics, and the arts.
22. We’re home to 10, local businesses, two Super League rugby teams, and nationally recognised cultural attractions like the Hepworth Gallery and Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
23. With 70% greenbelt land and 16 nature reserves, Wakefield is a fantastic place to live and work.
Our workforce of over 5, people is supported by an open and inclusive culture, where challenge is welcomed and creativity is encouraged. We’re a council that gets things done, and we’re looking for people who want to make a lasting impact.
Whether you’re starting out or looking to build on existing experience, our residential roles offer a chance to make a real difference in children’s lives, while building a fulfilling career in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.