Do you see a difficult child or a child in difficulty?
At Lifestyles, we believe the difference lies in perspective and in the people who care enough to look deeper.
If you value compassion, teamwork, integrity, fun, and hard work, we’d love to hear from you. We’re looking for people who bring heart as well as skill, people who want to make a real difference, who can laugh as well as listen, and who show up for young people even on the toughest days.
Because for the right person, this isn’t just a job—it’s a calling.
At Lifestyles Residential Services, we believe that every child deserves a safe, stable, and nurturing home, especially those who have faced trauma, disruption, or loss. Our staff don’t just clock in and out; they show up with heart, purpose, and resilience.
The Role
You’ll be joining our team at our Dungiven home, a large, well‑equipped house designed for three young people aged 12‑17. The work is therapeutic, relational, and guided by the principles of safety, structure and support.
What You’ll Be Doing
* Building meaningful, consistent relationships with young people, becoming a trusted adult they can rely on.
* Supporting recovery from trauma by creating safe routines, setting healthy boundaries, and using co‑regulation to help manage emotions.
* Applying your understanding of attachment theory, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and trauma‑informed models to guide your daily practice.
* Contributing to care planning and decision‑making alongside your team; your voice and insight will help shape the direction of support.
* Providing calm, compassionate responses during times of crisis, helping young people feel safe, seen, and supported.
* Collaborating with professionals, families, and our in‑house MDT to ensure a joined‑up, holistic approach to care.
* Recording observations and interventions clearly and accurately, in line with safeguarding expectations and regulatory standards.
Essential
What You’ll Need
* A Level 3 qualification (or higher) in a relevant field (Health & Social Care, Youth Work, etc.).
* Experience in residential childcare or working with looked‑after children (minimum 1 year).
* NISCC registration (or ability to register before starting).
* A full UK driving licence.
Desirable
* Training in therapeutic or trauma‑informed care approaches.
* A degree in Social Work, Youth Work, or Psychology.
* Experience working in residential settings.
* Confidence in leading shifts and supporting colleagues.
Terms & Benefits
* Salary: £26,500–£32,000 (DOE & qualifications).
* Hours: Full‑time, 38 hours per week (rotational shifts incl. sleep‑ins).
* Location: In‑person Dungiven.
* Contract: Permanent.
Benefits
* Comprehensive induction and training.
* Regular reflective practice sessions.
* Ongoing CPD and management development.
* Company pension.
* Private Health Care Scheme.
* Free on‑site parking.
Join Our Waiting List
We’re also compiling a 12‑month waiting list for similar vacancies in Dungiven or the wider area. If the timing isn’t quite right, submit your interest anyway and we’ll be in touch when the next opportunity arises.
Lifestyles adheres to the Access NI Code of Practice; a copy of the policy will be made available to you upon request. An enhanced Access NI disclosure check will be required for this post. Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar you from working within Lifestyles. A copy of Lifestyles Ex‑Offenders Recruitment Policy can be made available upon request. A copy of Lifestyles Secure Handling of Storage and Retention of Disclosure Information Policy is also available upon request.
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