Residential Workers – Long-Stay Children’s Home | Aycliffe Area
Salary: £30,024 – £33,699 plus up to £5,000 in enhancements
A brand-new, purpose-designed Children’s Home is opening in Aycliffe, and it’s unlike anything Durham County Council children homes has launched in years especially for children with learning disabilities and complex needs.
We’re creating a specialist, long-stay home for children and young people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and complex needs, and we’re looking for passionate, dedicated Residential Workers to help us bring this vision to life.
This is your chance to be part of something truly groundbreaking.
About the Home
We’ve sourced a unique, thoughtfully designed property in Aycliffe to provide a safe, nurturing, loving, and empowering environment for children who need it most. This home will offer high-quality, long-term care tailored to each child’s individual needs, delivered by a team that truly cares.
This is more than a job. It’s a chance to change lives and be changed in return.
The Role
As a Residential Worker, you’ll be a vital part of a close-knit, compassionate team. You’ll:
* Provide personal and physical care with dignity and respect
* Support children in developing independence, social skills, and confidence
* Accompany them to appointments, community activities, and new experiences
* Help create a warm, stable home where every child feels safe, valued, and understood
* Work collaboratively to deliver the vision set out in our Children’s Homes Statement of Purpose
Why This Role is Special
* A brand-new home - you’ll help shape its culture from day one
* A unique opportunity - this home will allow children with complex needs remain close to their friends and family in Durham
* Up to £5,000 extra in enhancements
* Flexible shift patterns to support work-life balance
* A values led culture built on Dignity, Unity, Responsibility, Heart, Aspiration, and Mindset
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking motivated, child-centred professionals who:
* Have experience working with children or young people (voluntary or professional)
* Are emotionally resilient, reliable, and flexible
* Can act as positive role models and team players
* Are eager to learn and grow in a supportive environment
* Hold GCSEs (A–C) in English and Maths or a qualification that is equivalent or higher
* Have (or are willing to gain) a Level 3 Diploma in Residential ChildcareSome knowledge or experience supporting children with disabilities is beneficial however full training will be provided.
What We Offer
* 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 32 days after 5 years
* Option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave
* Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme
* Comprehensive training and development, including professional qualifications
* Wellbeing and employee assistance programmes
* Discounts at major retailers, gyms, and more
* Staff-led networks and support groups
* Salary sacrifice schemes including car leasing
Take a closer look at our Rewards and Benefits
Don’t Miss Out
This is a rare opportunity to be part of something new, meaningful, and lasting. If you’re ready to make a real difference in the lives of children with complex needs and be part of a team that’s rewriting what care can look like, we want to hear from you.
Apply now and help us build a brighter future, for our children.
You can contact us via Amy.Philbin-Robinson@durham.gov.uk if you would like any additional information on the post or have any queries.
It is anticipated that interviews will be undertake on 21 and 22 October 2025.
In accordance with Durham County Council’s requirements, candidates must be a minimum of 22 years of age or above to apply. The successful applicant for this post will be required to apply for a Disclosure & Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.
REMOVAL AND LODGINGS
Removal, lodging and separation expenses may be available to the successful candidate if at the time of application for appointment their place of residence is outside the administrative area of County Durham and more than 30 miles in a straight line from their new administrative centre, along with several other criteria for eligibility.
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EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise that a diverse, talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services.
We are committed to ensuring that our employment policies and processes are fair and equitable to all. We welcome job applications from everyone, and successful candidates are considered only on their skills and ability to do the job.
As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled people and provide support throughout the recruitment process.
Take a closer look
HOW TO APPLY
In line with the County Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal.
Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed.
If you have any support needs or require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27 (option 2), or the Recruitment Team via email at RecruitmentCYPS@durham.gov.uk
We collect personal information from you when you register with North East Jobs and make an application. Details on how we process your personal data is available in our Privacy Notice.
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