Description | Salary £32,061 - £36,363 per annum* | Permanent, Full Time 37 hours per week | Lancaster | *Plus enhancements for shift work, weekend working and sleep-in duty Visa Sponsorship – this role cannot offer visa sponsorship = Senior Residential Child Care Worker – SPACE Hub As part of our "Where Our Children Live" programme, we are seeking dedicated Senior Residential Child Care Workers to join the team at our newly launched SPACE Hub, located in Lancaster This initiative is focused on creating safe, supportive homes for Lancashire children and forms a key part of our wider strategy to modernise and expand residential childcare across the county. About us… SPACE (Supporting and Preventing Additional Care Experiences) hubs offer a dynamic, community-based approach to care and support for children, young people and families. This is a new, exciting initiative designed to support children, young people and families across Lancashire. Each hub provides four core services: Diversion from care – offering immediate and preventative support to help families stay together. Reunification – supporting children in care to return safely to their families. Stabilisation of care arrangements – strengthening existing care arrangements including SGO, foster care and more to prevent unplanned endings Tailored support – enhancing our Pause and Reflect care arrangements and the 16/17 year old homeless protocol. The SPACE hubs represent a significant step forward in our commitment to early intervention, family preservation and care stability. About the role As a Senior Residential Child Care Worker, you’ll play a key role in leading and supporting a team of Hub Practitioners. You’ll champion the care, safety, and development of children with complex needs, helping to implement care plans, promote education, and support emotional wellbeing. You’ll also take a central role in inspections, safeguarding, and care planning, while being a role model for best practice, integrity, and compassion. You will support young people and families who have greater vulnerabilities and needs. You will be responsible for leading, motivating, and supervising a team of practitioners during overnight duties, both during the week, and at weekends. This role will involve working on a Rota Basis, working a mix of days, evenings, weekends and sleep-in shifts. About you… We are seeking individuals who are committed to empowering parents and enabling young people to thrive. Our ideal candidate is someone who has: Has at least 3 years' experience in children's social care or residential settings. Holds a QCF Level 4 or NVQ Level 3 or 4 in a relevant field. Confident in leading shifts, mentoring staff and managing risk. Understands children's legislation and safeguarding practices. If you have a passion for building relationships with children and motivation to make a meaningful difference, then we want to hear from you! Why join us? By joining Lancashire County Council, you can shape the career path that is right for you with the opportunity to gain personal and professional qualifications - Lancashire County Council really is the place where you can have the career you've always wanted. In return for your passion, we also offer a generous benefits package which includes: A competitive salary and Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions and optional Additional Voluntary Contributions. A great holiday entitlement of 26 days annual leave, which rises with length of service. You will also be entitled to 8 Bank Holidays, 2 additional statutory Bank Holidays, and have the option to buy additional leave each year. Our staff discount scheme in partnership with Vivup allowing you to access discounts with a range of UK retailers, saving on everything from weekly food shops to white goods and cars. How to Apply… To apply for a post, you can apply via the 'Apply Now' button below. Please ensure you attach the following: CV Supporting Statement Please ensure you have uploaded and attached your supporting statement to evidence how you meet the criteria for the role. The panel may be unable to shortlist you for interview without this evidence. If you would like more information regarding the role, please contact our Talent Team, via email – talent@lancashire.gov.uk, to arrange an informal chat. Closing Date: 1st February 2026 We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications. The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a 'disclosure'. Further information can be found on the 'Our Recruitment Process' tab. You will be required to provide a car for use in connection with the duties of this post and must be insured for business use. However, we may consider you if you cannot drive because of a disability. Job Description & Person Specification