Residential Care Officer Level 2

Job Introduction

Are you ready to take the next step in your career?

We’re looking for a passionate and experienced individual to join our dedicated team at Eastgate in Sleaford as a  Children’s Residential Carer (Level 2).

If you have a background in working with children and experience leading a team, this is your opportunity to grow within a supportive and progressive environment. Our homes are committed to providing high-quality, nurturing care that helps young people thrive.

About the Role

As a Level 2 Children’s Residential Carer (known locally as Residential Care Officer Level 2) your responsibilities will include:

• Supervision and Shift Leading
• Developing projects and direct work with children
• Mentoring new staff and leading practice areas
• Chairing professional meetings
• Managing household tasks and preparing young people for independent living.

Building and maintaining resilient relationships with stakeholders is also an important part of this role.

Salary: £32,597 - £35,412 plus a sleeping-in payment of £41.78 and mileage reimbursed at 45p per mile. Overtime paid at time-and-a-half. This means that on average you could have the opportunity to earn an extra £5,000 - £10,000 on top of your annual salary.

Shift Pattern: Full time, permanent, you will have a good work/life balance with a rota split between different shifts, some will include sleeping at the home. Rota’s are given in advance to ensure this balance is met

Our Home

Eastgate (Sleaford) - We are proud to offer a rewarding RCO2 opportunity at Eastgate Children’s Home, where every day brings the chance to make a real difference in the lives of our children.

Our team is passionate, dedicated, and supportive, working together to create a warm, inclusive home where both children and staff can thrive. As an RCO 2, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality, child-centred care and supporting children as they move towards greater independence. This is a truly fulfilling role where you’ll also lead and support your team during shifts.

Eastgate prides itself on being a welcoming and inclusive environment. We are committed to nurturing both the development of our team and the wellbeing of the children in our care. Whether you’re looking to advance your career or gain deeper experience in social care, you will find a strong sense of purpose and family here. We value teamwork, respect, and compassion and we’re looking for like-minded individuals to join us.

Eastgate Children’s Home is a place where care, compassion, and dedication come together to create a positive and supportive environment for the children in our care. As an RCO 2, you will work closely, leading your team on duty to provide high-quality, child-centred care that helps children feel safe, respected, and supported. Every day is different here at Eastgate, and your role will be vital in supporting the wrap around support needed for the children’s emotional and practical needs as they grow and develop.

You will be joining a children’s home that values professional growth and personal connection. If you are someone who thrives on making a difference and working as part of a close-knit team, we would love to welcome you to Eastgate.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about care and deeply committed to helping our children and young people grow and develop, socially and emotionally
• Is willing to develop themselves and undertake a Level 3 QCF qualification in working with children in residential childcare or have a relevant Level 3 QCF qualification
• Has the ability to be a key worker, supervise staff, lead shifts and work under pressure
• Can produce reports and maintain accurate records and has IT skills and experience

A driving licence is desirable but is negotiable.

Our Offer

We are offering a competitive salary with an excellent local government pension scheme, along with a comprehensive benefits package, career progression opportunities and a generous annual leave entitlement.

We can also offer you:

· High-quality induction and ongoing training and development

· Trauma training and therapeutic support

· Strong Leadership Team support

Along with a competitive salary we are offering: 
“Green book” Local Government terms and conditions
Access to Local Government Pension scheme (contribution rate of approx. 24%)
Comprehensive benefits package including salary sacrifice for cars, cycles, plus excellent discount schemes
37 hour working week (as full time) including flexible and hybrid working
A generous leave entitlement with a minimum of 25 days plus bank holidays and the option to buy more
Free financial wellbeing advice
Further details can be found here: Rewards and benefits – Lincolnshire County Council  

More information about our homes is available in the attached Brochure and you can find out more about the benefits of working for Lincolnshire County Council here: Rewards and benefits – Lincolnshire County Council .

Lincolnshire County Council Children’s Services are one of the best in the country and have an overall Outstanding rating from Ofsted. Lincolnshire has been chosen by the Department of Education as one of the three national Families First for Children Pathfinders which will run between September 2023 and 2025. This is an exciting time to join Children’s Residential Services and help us shape the future of Social Care!

Contact Us

If you would like an open and informal discussion regarding this vacancy please email: Ric.Hay@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Applications close on 30th November 2025.

Interviews will be held on the 9th December 2025.

We wish you the best of luck with your application!

Due to recent changes in immigration law in the UK we are unable to offer skilled worker visa sponsorship for this role as it does not meet the requirements of RQF Level 6.

Please refer to our Job Information Pack here to support you in your application.

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

Interviews will be arranged on a flexible basis with candidates who have evidenced in their application that they meet the essential criteria for the role. Interviews may take place before the closing date.

Lincolnshire County Council are committed to being an equal opportunity employer, we encourage a supportive and inclusive culture and have been accredited as a Disability Confident Employer.

It is current policy to not shortlist candidates more than once within a 4 month period who have previously applied for a Residential Care post of the same grade within that time period.

PLEASE NOTE: It is imperative that your personal statement clearly states why you have applied, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role as set out in the Job Description (attached) and what you feel you can bring to this role, the team and the wider County Council.

Please be advised that this position will 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.

A Smarter Working Employer

We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. You will be given a nominated contractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary.  Working arrangements regarding hybrid working will be discussed as part of the appointment process.

Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.

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.