Job Summary
Salary £32,061 - £36,363 per annum* | Permanent, Full Time 37 hours per week | Lancaster.
Enhancements available 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 in Lancaster.
This initiative focuses on creating safe, supportive homes for Lancashire children and is 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 new, exciting initiative supports children, young people and families across Lancashire.
Each Hub provides four core services:
* Diverting 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 will lead and support a team of Hub Practitioners, championing the care, safety and development of children with complex needs. You will implement care plans, promote education, support emotional wellbeing, and take a central role in inspections, safeguarding and care planning. You will be a role model for best practice, integrity and compassion, supporting young people and families with greater vulnerabilities and needs.
Key responsibilities include leading, motivating and supervising a team of practitioners during overnight duties, week‑days, weekends and sleep‑in shifts, working on a rota basis.
About You
We are seeking individuals who are committed to empowering parents and enabling young people to thrive. Our ideal candidate:
* 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.
* Is confident in leading shifts, mentoring staff and managing risk.
* Understands children's legislation and safeguarding practices.
Why Join Us?
By joining Lancashire County Council, you can shape the career path that is right for you with opportunities to gain personal and professional qualifications. In return for your passion, we offer a generous benefits package including:
* A competitive salary and the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions and optional Additional Voluntary Contributions.
* A great holiday entitlement of 26 days annual leave, rising with length of service; 8 Bank Holidays, 2 additional statutory Bank Holidays, and the option to buy additional leave each year.
* Our staff discount scheme in partnership with Vivup, providing discounts across UK retailers, from food shops to white goods and cars.
How to Apply
To apply, use the "Apply Now" button below and attach the following:
* CV
* Supporting Statement that demonstrates how you meet the criteria for the role.
Without a supporting statement, the panel may be unable to shortlist you for interview.
For more information, contact our Talent Team at talent@lancashire.gov.uk to arrange an informal chat.
Closing Date
1st April 2026. We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications.
Additional Information
The post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended 2013). If successful, you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a disclosure. Further information is available under 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr