Residential Key Worker (KW1) Location: Loughinisland, Northern Ireland Salary: £36,309.22 per annum Contract: Full Time Reporting to: Registered Manager Help Shape Safe Futures for Children and Young People At Safe Places, we believe every child deserves safety, stability and the opportunity to heal. As a specialist therapeutic charity, we provide nurturing residential homes for young people who have experienced significant trauma and adversity. We are expanding our services and are seeking committed and compassionate Residential Key Workers to join our small, relationship-based teams within our 2-bedded EBD childrens homes in Loughinisland, Northern Ireland. This is an opportunity to be part of a values-led organisation that places relationships, consistency and therapeutic care at the centre of everything we do. About the Role As a Residential Key Worker, you will play a pivotal role in supporting young people whose behaviours reflect complex trauma and unmet emotional needs. Working within a stable and supportive team, you will help create a safe, nurturing and structured home environment where young people can develop trust, resilience and positive life experiences. Our model prioritises: Trauma-informed and therapeutic care Strong, consistent relationships Reflective practice and professional development Creating homes that feel safe, predictable and supportive You will contribute to the delivery of high-quality care in line with our Statement of Purpose, safeguarding standards and organisational values. Working Pattern Weekly Structure: 32 shift hours plus 2 sleepovers (Hours Bank System) 6 allocated non-contact hours for key worker responsibilities 2 weekly on-call duties (paid at enhanced rates) Shift Pattern: 24-hour shifts (16 hours awake working time8-hour paid sleepover) Two core shifts per week Opportunities to work additional shifts Why Join Safe Places? We recognise that meaningful care starts with supported and valued staff. Our approach invests in your wellbeing, growth and long-term career development. Professional Development Clear progression pathways to Key Worker 2, Deputy Manager and Registered Manager roles Structured internal development framework within your first 6 months Comprehensive 3-week paid induction including: o Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) o Trauma & Attachment o Safeguarding o Medication Management o Health & Safety and Fire Safety Shadow shifts to support your transition into the role Individual Professional Development Plan following probation Reflective supervision, coaching and continuous learning opportunities Support & Wellbeing 24/7 on-call support from trained TCI Post-Crisis Response staff Triple-tier wellbeing support including external counselling services Structured rota promoting work-life balance Monitoring through an hours bank system Benefits 33 days paid annual leave 10% annual leave loading £250 loyalty bonus every six months following successful probation Opportunities for enhanced earnings through additional shifts and on-call duties The opportunity to help shape an innovative therapeutic model of residential care Essential Criteria Minimum 2 years experience working with challenging behaviours At least 6 months experience in a senior role (Shift Lead, Team Leader, or Senior Residential Worker) Level 3 qualification in a relevant discipline Full UK or Irish driving licence held for at least 1 year (maximum 3 penalty points) Ability to obtain Enhanced Access NI Registration with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council Desirable Criteria Degree-level qualification in a relevant subject Experience supporting traumatised children and young people within therapeutic or residential settings Application Process Applications must be submitted via our website: England and Northern Ireland Vacancies Safe Places for Children UK The full Job Description is available for download via the website. Induction Training Successful candidates will complete a mandatory three-week induction programme starting on: Monday 13 April 2026 (Induction training is paid at a casual rate) Future Opportunities Safe Places may retain suitable applicants on a waiting list for up to six months following interview and may contact candidates regarding future vacancies.