Residential Child Care Officer

Ade Adepitan Short Break Centre offers something truly special — no two days, children, or care needs are the same. Working in a respite setting means supporting a vibrant mix of children and young people with different personalities, communication styles, and abilities.

You’ll play a key role in helping children build independence skills and preparing them for adulthood. This includes leading engaging activities, taking part in regular community outings (supported by our on-site minibus), and carrying out key-working sessions that ensure each child’s wishes, feelings and preferences shape their support.
You’ll work closely with parents, schools, CAMHS and other professionals to provide consistent, holistic care that meets each child’s individual needs.

The role offers hands-on experience across a broad range of complex needs, including autism, profound disabilities, and specialist medical routines such as gastrostomy care (full training provided). This variety makes the work highly rewarding and provides a level of professional development rarely found in traditional residential settings.
If you’re looking to build a long-term career in children’s services, safeguarding, disability care or education, this role is an exceptional foundation.

Shift Pattern & Working Hours
You’ll work a long-week/short-week rota that supports consistency for children and balance for staff:

•    Morning shift: 7-12.00 or 7-14.30
•    Afternoon shift: 16.30-21.30 or 14.00-21.30
•    Short week: 3 days
•    Long week: 5 days (including weekends)
•    Shift leaders finish at 10:00pm to hand over to the night team.
During school hours, staff complete key-working tasks such as paperwork, planning, meetings, school visits, home visits, and updating risk assessments.

Training & Development
We offer extensive face-to-face and online training, and staff are encouraged to continually develop their practice.
You’ll receive thorough training in the Positive Approach, with a strong focus on supporting autistic children and young people who may display behaviours of concern.

Team Culture
We’re a small, supportive, and family-friendly team.
The work can be demanding, but it’s highly rewarding — and you’ll have regular team meetings and reflective discussions to share ideas and learn from each other.

Supporting Children & Young People
Our practice is centred around the needs and voices of the children:
•    Building independence skills and preparing for adulthood
•    Regular community outings and activities (supported by our own minibus)
•    Key-working sessions to capture each child’s wishes and feelings
•    Close work with parents, schools, CAMHS and wider professionals for consistent, holistic support

You’re someone who:

• Brings warmth, patience, and emotional intelligence
• Understands the unique needs of children with disabilities
• Can plan and lead engaging activities that spark joy
• Isn’t afraid of responsibility — including shift-leading
• Writes clearly and keeps accurate records
• Works in partnership with parents, schools, health professionals and social workers
• Values safeguarding, dignity, and person-centred care
• Can work flexibly on a rota including evenings, weekends and sleep-ins
• Is willing to learn specialist skills — including gastrostomy feeding, suctioning and behaviour support (full training provided)
• You'll also hold (or be working towards) a Level 4 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent.

If you have genuine passion for improving the lives of disabled children and a commitment to high-quality care, we want to hear from you.