Casual Residential Childcare Officer
Trafford Council
Working Pattern: Casual hours including sleep-ins, evenings and weekend working.
Working Arrangement: Casual hours as and when shifts need covering.
Interview Date/Type: Face to face
SMART Working: We aim to offer flexibility wherever possible. Many of our colleagues work from home one or more days a week and/or adjust their hours. We call this SMART working - giving you the freedom to shape your working pattern around your life, whilst still delivering great outcomes. Speak with the hiring manager about the range of flexible working options available for this role.
About the Role
We have an exciting and rewarding opportunity to join our skilled teams as a casual Residential Childcare Officer supporting young people in our children’s homes.
Trafford Council has 2 children’s homes; one is registered for 5 children, and one is registered for 6 children, although occupancy rarely increases above 4. The homes care for children with social, emotional and mental health needs as well as autism, adhd and mild learning difficulties. You will work within a team to meet the day-to-day care needs of the children and young people living at the home. You will need to be able to form good working relationships with the young people and develop a good knowledge of their individual needs. Working within a staff team you will support the home to provide high standards of care and accommodation. You need to be a good role model to the young people, be an advocate and ensure you listen and act on their wishes. We work to create and maintain a loving and homely environment for the young people in which they are given opportunities to thrive. We provide a nurturing and restorative approach to support young people to be safe and achieve their goals and aspirations. Duties will include driving young people to appointments/school/family time, cooking, some paperwork, keeping the home tidy and safe, shopping etc.
About You
This role will require you to establish strong relationships with children and their families; you will have empathy whilst being able to create good routines and explain expectations. Key characteristic requirements of this post are; flexibility, commitment, building effective relationships, resilience, persistence and the ability to progress plans. The post requires an enhanced DBS, working a rota, and undertaking sleeping in duties.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, as an employee you will be expected to share this commitment.
Your style and approach will reflect our values and behaviours: you will be committed to continually learning & improving the way you do things to ensure effective outcomes; valuing and respecting others’ contribution and working together to deliver a high standard of care.
Additional Information
This advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications, so please apply as soon as possible.
In this role, casual workers receive accrued holiday percentage of 12.66%.
The home operates a rota to provide 24 hour care.
You will be required to work on a rota and an unsocial hours allowance of 6% will be paid.
The role involves shift work which includes evening and weekend working.
An enhanced DBS check with children barred list check will be required.
You will be required to drive in this role.
Find Out More.
For the full details of this opportunity, please refer to the role profile linked below.
If you have any questions or would like an informal chat you can get in contact with Martin Soloman or Alicia Cooper at martin.solomon@trafford.gov.uk or alicia.cooper@trafford.gov.uk
About us...
Trafford is a vibrant, inclusive borough at the heart of Greater Manchester. Home to 235,000 residents, four thriving town centres, over 11,000 businesses, and 60+ parks and green spaces. We’re a place where community and opportunity meet. With excellent transport links, a proud heritage as the birthplace of the NHS, world-class sporting venues and outstanding schools, Trafford is a fantastic place to live, work, and thrive.
Why Trafford?
We’re more than just a local authority; we’re a team of passionate people committed to making a real difference. We deliver essential services that matter, from education and social care to business support, licensing, libraries and leisure and much more. No matter what your role is with us, you will help us to create a borough where all our “residents, businesses and communities thrive.”
Our Culture...
Our values are at the heart of everything we do. They’re not just words on a wall, they shape how we work together, make decisions, and support each other every day.
They help us create a workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and inspired to do their best. If you share these values and want your work to have real purpose and impact, Trafford is the perfect place to grow your career.
What you'll love about working with us...
Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development and work-life balance:
- Generous Leave: Start with 26 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), with options to carry over or buy extra days.
- Flexible Perks: Discounts on car leasing, cycle to work, home tech, plus family friendly policies and hybrid working
- Invest in your future: Join our generous Local Government Pension Scheme for peace of mind.
- Grow with us: We'll support your development at every stage! Through leadership programmes like our EPIC Manager, LEAP into leadership and senior leadership. Plus, you'll have access to specialist qualifications and personal coaching to unlock your full potential.
- Wellbeing First: Guided wellbeing walks and “Tea and Talk” sessions, and events like World Mental Health and National Fitness Day.
- Connect with us: Connect with colleagues through our staff forums or join our Let’s Talk events to network, share ideas, and hear about the exciting work happening across our council.
- Be Celebrated: For all your hard work, ideas and contributions through at our annual Time to Shine event, our cheers for peers’ scheme or through our EPIC Star Awards.
Key Information...
- Pre-Employment Checks: If offered a role, as a minimum we’ll need to verify your right to work in the UK, receive two satisfactory references, and medical check. Trafford Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check.
- Please note: We are not a licensed sponsor and will not be able to support with your work visa.
- Privacy Notice: We respect your privacy. For details on how we collect, process, and protect your data, please click here: Recruitment and employment privacy notice | Trafford Council privacy notice | Trafford Council
Make an Impact. Apply Today.
If you are passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team shaping a better Trafford for our residents, businesses and communities then we'd love to receive an application from you.
We want everyone to feel confident and supported throughout our recruitment process. If you need any help, adjustments or support at any stage, please get in touch with us at recruitment@trafford.gov.uk
After reviewing the role profile and submitting your application, successful candidates will be invited to a short interview to learn more about your skills and experience.