Residential Care Officer Level 3

About the Role

These Senior roles are offered on a full time (37 hours per week), permanent basis where you will work a shift pattern including evenings, weekends and nights. A ‘sleeping in’ payment of £40.76 is paid for each shift you sleep in, mileage is paid at 45p per mile, overtime is paid at time and a half and there is free parking at all our homes.

At Lincolnshire County Council, we believe every child has the right to outstanding care. It’s why our devoted Carers find creative ways to help children and young people with a range of complex disabilities, medical conditions and behavioural problems to learn, grow and flourish. Our Carers understand that as a result of their lived experiences, some of our young people may express themselves in ways that require compassion, patience and understanding and our carers are given the tools to help navigate these complex emotional dynamics. Whether our Carers are helping a child or young person to process the information around them or dealing with behaviours that challenge, they embrace the emotional and physical demands of our work with readiness and courage. Join us at the forefront of innovation and help us lead the way!

We currently have vacancies at Albion Street in Spalding, Northolme in Gainsborough and Robin House in Lincoln.

About the Homes

Albion Street is a home for 6 children. We ensure that our children are cared for in a loving and safe environment, giving them the best possible life chances. Homes Manager Dina says "Every day at Albion street has love and laughter, no one day is the same. It is a rewarding career and a privilege to be part of our children's lives."

Northolme is a long term children's home based in Gainsborough. We have 6 children who live at the home and are nurtured and supported by the staff team to fulfil their potential. Homes Manager Gemma says "No two days are the same and its an amazing career to be part of. An RCO3 is the beginning of your Management Journey and you will be supported to develop further to potentially become one of the future managers."

Robin House is a new 4 bedded Therapeutic Children's Home close to the city centre in Lincoln. Our team work hand in hand with the Complex Needs Service to deliver trauma informed care that is individualised to meet the needs and develop the strengths of our children. Our aim is to support our children on their journey to renunciation home to families or a long-term foster family. Homes Manager Helen says "the RCO3 position is a great opportunity to start developing the skills, knowledge and experience to one day manage a home."

About the Team

You will work alongside experienced Managers and Assistant Managers both in the home and from across the residential estates, with the opportunity to meet up with colleagues from our other homes to complete training and share best practice. We also have several staff networks and engagement groups that you can get involved in.

The team that you will work alongside are all kind, compassionate, and resilient carers who give children a sense of security and form deep connections with them. They are dependable and responsible role models who work closely together to ensure the children have the best possible outcomes.

Many of our Senior Leaders started their careers as Carer's in Residential Children's Homes. Learn more about what a rewarding career in Children's care looks like in the attached document, where our Service Lead Katie describes her career journey.

About You

We are looking for a creative, empathic and resilient person to join our team. You will need to have knowledge and experience of the caring profession within a residential setting. The successful applicant will have the ability to manage and lead a team of carers who engage with children and young people to enable them to develop new skills and create a safe and stimulating environment.

You will need to display great decision making skills. This role involves discretion in the allocation of tasks, resources and services, using your knowledge skills and experience, based on your interpretation, assessment and evaluation of a situation. Excellent communication skills and the ability to remain calm and professional is essential to be able to effectively communicate your decisions and direction to others.

Successful candidates will hold or be expected to work towards a fully funded Level 3 Children and Young People's Workforce Diploma or equivalent and we will also support you to complete a fully funded Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management. Allocated time is given to you each month to support with your studies.

Our Offer To You

There is clear career progression for our Level 3 Residential Carers, many of whom have progressed into Assistant Manager or Management roles and we are happy to support you to do the same if this is a career pathway you choose. We encourage progression and development and will give you the opportunity to manage and supervise a team while you train and learn.

Along with a competitive salary we also offer our employees an excellent government pension scheme, generous annual leave entitlement with the option to buy more and comprehensive benefits package with lifestyle discounts on gym memberships, travel shopping and more. Meals are also provided as part of the family when on shift.

In joining us, you will be rewarded with a career defining opportunity to become part of an ambitious and growing service that is committed to staff retention, development and equality. 

Learn more about the benefits of working with us here: Rewards and benefits – Lincolnshire County Council and why not visit our Jobs and Careers page for more details on the roles we have and what we offer our employees.

If you would like an open and informal discussion regards this role then please contact:

Dina Parla by emailing dina.parla@lincolnshire.gov.uk for queries about working at Albion Street

Gemma Benson on 01247 613232 or email gemma.benson@lincolnshire.gov.uk for queries about working at Northolme

Helen Wallis by emailing helen.wallis@lincolnshire.gov.uk for queries about working at Robin House

Applications close 19th May.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check.

All candidates are advised to read the attached job information pack prior to making an application.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward. 

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Fluency Duty

In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.