Residential Worker
Permanent, Full Time
£27,934 up to £35,344 per annum (includes allowance)
Location: Colchester
Working Style:
Closing Date: Sunday 15th February 2026 at 11.59pm
Interview Dates: W/C the 9th of March 2026.
Are you interested in working with children and young people to make a difference in their lives? If so, then this could be the right opportunity for you.
It is an exciting time to join Essex County Council as we invest in and expand our residential provision and not only have we been named Outstanding by Ofsted, we are delighted to have been crowned Social Work Employer of the Year for the second time in the last three years!
Why work with us?
1. 26 days annual leave (Full Time Equivalent)
2. 37 hour working week - Monday to Sunday, over a mixture of early (07:00am – 14.30pm) and late (14:00pm – 21.30pm) shifts with every other weekend off.
3. Opportunity for overtime.
4. Local Authority Defined Benefit Pension Scheme. For more details please visit:
5. Use your skills to make a difference to the lives of local children and families who experience difficulties and inequalities.
6. Work for a team with great team morale and friendly, helpful, and supportive colleagues.
7. Access high quality training and development to help develop your career within the child and family sector.
This role will be based on-site at New Farm Road, Stanway, Colchester CO3 0PG a five bedded home for young people between the age of 11-17. You will be working as part of a multidisciplinary team to support young people that have experienced trauma.
Being a Residential Worker requires a special kind of person. Day to day your main focus will be on providing nurturing therapeutic care to children who have experienced trauma, supporting and caring for them as a parent would, and each day brings unique experiences, filled with both highs and lows.
Previous experience of working in a children’s home, would be beneficial however there are many skills that you might have that would make you suitable for the role. It is important to be open minded and have a flexible and adaptable attitude and be able to manage challenges with a calm and patient demeanour. You will have an ability/willingness to understand and manage challenging behaviour including aggression and violence using a range of de-escalation techniques. You will also need to have effective written and verbal communication skills.
If you don’t already have a Level 3 Diploma you will need to complete this within 2 years of successful completion of probation period and you will be supported with this. We will also provide you with all the training you need for the role along with good quality, regular supervision. This, together with the right attitude and access to a full in-house induction, will enable you to start your career with Essex County Council with confidence.
You will work 37 hours per week over a mixture of early (07:00am – 14.30pm) and late (14:00pm – 21.30pm) shifts across 7 days a week / 365 days a year working pattern and have every other weekend off.
If shortlisted the interview process will be a one stage process where you will attend the home for a face-to-face interview.
Due to nature of this role any applicants need to be at least 21 years old to undertake this post.
The salary offered is made up of a basic salary £25,395 to £32,131 per annum and a guaranteed allowance of 10% - £2,539.50 to £3,213.10 per annum, pro rata if part time, paid monthly, alongside the basic salary.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about
, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join
Follow us on,, and. Further details can be found on our .
Downloads
| | |