Residential Child Care Officer

Job Description

Salary range: £34,998 - £37,134 p.a. inc. London weighting
Contract: Permanent
Hours of work: 36 hours per week
Location: Ade Adepitan Short Break Centre and other locations from time to time

Join Us - Be a Voice for Vulnerable Children and Young People and Make a Lasting Difference

Brent is one of the most diverse boroughs in the country, with communities, ideas and experiences from across the world helping to shape who we are. Working here means joining a council that is focused on fairness, open to new thinking and committed to improving life for local people. Our values shape how we work and what people can expect from us. We collaborate proactively, lead inclusively, embrace change, are bold and curious, and celebrate and share our success. For people who care about public service and want their work to matter, Brent offers the chance to make a meaningful difference. About the role Ade Adepitan Short Break Centre offers something truly unique. No two days are ever the same, and no two children or young people have the same care needs. Working within a short break service provides the opportunity to support a diverse group of children and young people with a wide range of disabilities, including Autism, ADHD, complex care needs, and profound disabilities.
As a member of our dedicated team, you will play an important role in supporting children and young people to develop their independence skills and prepare for adulthood. The role involves providing high-quality, person-centred care and ensuring that each child is supported in a way that reflects their individual wishes, feelings, and aspirations.
Duties will include supporting children with personal care, which may involve bathing, showering, dressing, toileting, changing continence pads, moving and handling, and assisting with transfers from bed to chair, chair to bed, or wheelchair using manual and ceiling hoists. You will also plan and lead meaningful activities, participate in regular community outings supported by our on-site minibus, and undertake key-working responsibilities to help ensure children's voices remain at the centre of their care and support.
You will work closely with parents, schools, CAMHS, social workers, health professionals, and other agencies to provide consistent, holistic support that meets each child's individual needs and promotes positive outcomes.
This role provides valuable hands-on experience supporting children and young people with a broad range of complex needs, including autism, profound disabilities, and specialist medical routines such as gastrostomy care. Full training will be provided. The variety and complexity of support offered make this a highly rewarding role and provide opportunities for professional development rarely found within more traditional residential settings.
Whether you are looking to build a long-term career in children's services, disability support, safeguarding, health and social care, or education, this role provides an excellent foundation for future progression.

What to Expect in the Role
Shift Pattern and Working Hours- We operate a long-week/short-week rota designed to provide consistency for children and young people while supporting a healthy work-life balance for staff.
 

Shift Patterns:
•    Morning Shift: 07:00 - 14:30
•    Afternoon Shift: 14:00 - 21:30
•    Short Week: 4 working days
•    Long Week: 6 working days, including weekends
•    Shift Leaders work until 22:00 to provide a handover to the night team
 

During school hours, staff undertake key-working responsibilities including:
•    Completing paperwork and care records
•    Planning activities and support sessions
•    Attending meetings
•    Conducting school visits and home visits
•    Reviewing and updating risk assessments
•    Liaising with families and professionals

Training and Development

We are committed to supporting our staff to develop and grow professionally.

You will have access to a comprehensive programme of face-to-face and online training designed to build confidence, knowledge, and specialist skills. Staff are actively encouraged to continuously develop their practice and pursue learning opportunities.

You will receive in-depth training in the Positive Approach, with a strong focus on supporting autistic children and young people, including those who may display behaviours of concern. Training is also provided in specialist areas, including moving and handling, medication administration, safeguarding, gastrostomy care, and communication support.

Our Team Culture

We are proud to have a small, supportive, and friendly team where colleagues work together to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and young people.

While the role can be physically and emotionally demanding, it is incredibly rewarding. Staff are supported through regular team meetings, supervision sessions, reflective practice discussions, and ongoing opportunities to learn from one another and share experiences.

We value teamwork, respect, inclusion, and a positive working environment where every member of staff feels supported and appreciated.

Supporting Children and Young People

Everything we do is centred around the voices, needs, and aspirations of the children and young people we support.

Our work includes:
•    Supporting children and young people to build independence skills and prepare for adulthood
•    Delivering enjoyable and meaningful activities tailored to individual interests
•    Regular community outings and experiences supported by our dedicated minibus service
•    Key-working sessions that capture and promote children's wishes, feelings, and choices
•    Building positive relationships with children, families, schools, CAMHS, social workers, and health professionals
•    Providing consistent, holistic, and person-centred support that promotes wellbeing, inclusion, and positive outcomes
 

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Brings warmth, compassion, patience, and emotional intelligence to their work
• Understands and values the individual needs of children and young people with disabilities
• Is passionate about helping children achieve their full potential and develop independence skills
• Can confidently plan and lead engaging activities that promote enjoyment, learning, and development
• Is willing to take on responsibility, including undertaking shift-leading duties when required
• Can produce clear, accurate, and professional care documentation and maintain detailed records
• Is confident using technology and electronic recording systems
• Works effectively in partnership with parents, schools, health professionals, social workers, and other agencies
• Has a strong commitment to safeguarding, dignity, equality, and person-centred care
• Can work flexibly on a rota pattern, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-in shifts where required
• Is resilient, adaptable, and committed to providing outstanding care and support
   

Why join us?

We know people do their best work when they feel valued, supported and able to grow. At Brent, you will benefit from:

• 27 days' annual leave, rising with length of service, plus bank holidays
• Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
• Hybrid and flexible working options available for most roles
• Supportive family-friendly policies, including carers’ leave, paternity leave and compassionate leave for eligible employees
• Health and wellbeing support, including eye test su