Job Introduction
Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of children with disabilities? At Haven Cottage, we’re looking for caring, energetic, and child-focused individuals to join our dedicated team as a Children’s Residential Carer.
Due to recent changes in immigration law in the UK we are unable to offer skilled worker visa sponsorship for this role.
Salary: £30,024-£32,597 plus a sleeping-in payment of £43.12 and mileage reimbursed at 45p per mile. Overtime is paid at time-and-a-half.
Shift Pattern: Haven Cottage is open all year, including some bank holidays and at times Christmas and New year. The shift pattern covers 24 hours a day so is a combination of early shifts, late shifts and night duties. There is also a need for sleep ins at the home which are paid in addition to your annual salary. The rota is carefully planned to try and ensure a good work/personal life balance.
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Residential Childcare Officer 1 (RCO1) to join our Children with Disabilities Short Break Service. This vacancy has arisen due to internal progression, reflecting our commitment to staff development and career pathways within the service.
We provide high-quality, child-centred short break care for children and young people with a range of disabilities, complex health needs, and behavioural support needs. Our aim is to create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where children feel valued and are supported to achieve positive experiences while offering respite for families and carers.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Provide direct care and support in line with individual Care Plans, both within the home and in community settings.
Create a safe, respectful, and positive environment where children and young people feel valued.
Support with personal and intimate care in a dignified manner.
Administer medication and meet health care needs in line with policy and training.
Undertake clinical tasks where required (e.g. gastrostomy feeds, oxygen therapy, suction) following appropriate training.
Support children to develop independence, emotional resilience, and social skills.
Facilitate recreational, educational, and community activities.
Maintain accurate records, reports, and electronic case management systems.
Contribute to care planning, risk assessments, and review meetings.
Act as a Keyworker, working in partnership with families and professionals.
Support the day-to-day running and housekeeping of the home.
Respond to challenging behaviour in line with behaviour support and safeguarding procedures.
Contribute to service development and quality assurance processes.
Additional Responsibilities
Work flexibly across the home’s operating hours, including weekends, bank holidays, sleep-ins, and waking nights.
Participate in outings, holidays, and physical activities with children and young people.
Undertake physical interventions where required, in line with training.
Assume delegated responsibility in the absence of senior staff when necessary.
Support and mentor new staff and relief workers once competent.
Essential Requirements
Experience working with children and young people, ideally within residential or disability services.
Willingness and ability to complete the QCF Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare within required timescales.
Willingness to undertake trauma-informed practice and specialist health care training.
Knowledge of safeguarding and child-centred practice.
Ability to manage challenging situations calmly and effectively.
Good communication, recording, and teamwork skills.
Flexible approach to shift work.
What We Offer
Structured induction and training programme.
Support to achieve required childcare qualifications.
Ongoing professional development and supervision.
Enhanced payments where applicable.
Opportunity to progress within Children’s Residential Services.
Further details about the benefits of working for Lincolnshire County Council are available here: Rewards and benefits – Lincolnshire County Council
If you would like an open and informal discussion regarding these vacancies please email: vicky.cooke@lincolnshire.gov.uk or call 01522 555003
Applications close on March 29th 2026
We wish you the best of luck with your application!
Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check.
Please refer to our Job Information Pack here to support you in your 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.
Our values – collaborative, adaptable, eco-conscious, supportive, and responsible – guide everything we do. We’re looking for candidates who share these values and bring them to life in their work, helping us build strong teams and make a real difference in the communities we serve.
Attached documents
