Jobs

Exciting opportunity! 

Join a first of its kind specialist children’s home that has just been rated as Outstanding by Ofsted for the third year running.  

We are seeking to appoint suitably skilled, motivated and caring recovery support workers, on a casual basis to work with children and young people aged between 10 to 17 years of age. 

Wakefield Local Authority and Wakefield CAMHS are working closely together to improve the therapeutic care and outcomes for these children and young people and are going to open a bespoke Therapeutic Children and Young People, hosted by the Wakefield Local Authority, and supported by Wakefield CAMHS. 

There are times when children and young people in care require additional support to manage complex trauma and associated mental health needs. This can often lead to being placed a long way from home and in placements that are deemed to be therapeutic, however there is limited governance and assurance relating to these placements. 

Placements of a high value therapeutic intervention are hard to find, and this can result in multiple placement breakdowns before a suitable placement that can contain risk and manage social and emotional needs is found. The result of this leads to young people who are most vulnerable being placed a long way from home and not always achieving the best outcomes. 

The induction period will also involve engaging in training, bringing together the Local Authority and SWYT CAMHS staff together. 

Working in Residential Childcare at Wakefield Council 

More than just a job 

Working in one of Wakefield Council’s children’s homes is a chance to change lives and transform your own future. Every child deserves a safe, loving home and positive experiences that set them up for life. That’s why residential childcare is so important, and why we’re looking for people who care. 

Salary: Inclusive of allowances and oncosts, earn up to £50, 483.55  

Who we're looking for 

You don’t need a degree or formal qualifications to start. We welcome people from all walks of life who are: 

• Warm, nurturing, and emotionally intelligent 

• Have enthusiasm and self-motivated with good communication skills. 

• Great at building trusting relationships 

• Resilient and committed to making a difference 

• Equipped with transferable skills from other careers or life experiences 

Roles available:  

Fill time Recovery Support worker 

Wakefield is ambitious for children and have adopted an innovative approach throughout its residential model. 

We are seeking to appoint suitably skilled, motivated and caring Children’s Residential Worker, to work with and support children and young people aged between 9 to 17 years of age. 

There are times when children and young people in care require additional support to manage complex trauma. Placements of a warm, supportive and have a homely feel are hard to find, and this can result in multiple placement breakdowns before a suitable placement that can contain risk and manage social and emotional needs is found. The result of this leads to young people who are most vulnerable being placed a long way from home and not always achieving the best outcomes. We provide loving homes for children to remain in Wakefield and only receive the best possible care. 

In addition to your salary, you will receive:  

• Weekend Allowance 

• Shift allowance 

• Enhanced Bank holiday and weekend pay 

• Generous annual leave entitlement 

• Competitive salary with yearly increments  

• Funding for Diploma level 4 apprenticeship  

• Employee Assisted Programme 

• Access to OHU 

Pay and benefits 

We know that attracting and keeping great people means offering more than just job satisfaction. That’s why we provide competitive rates of pay and a benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, career, and lifestyle. 

• Competitive salaries aligned with your role and experience 

• Essential car user allowance (where applicable) 

• Blue Light Card for discounts across retail, leisure, and travel 

• Generous pension scheme with employer contributions 

• Excellent commuter links across Yorkshire 

We’re committed to making Wakefield not just a great place to work—but a great place to thrive. 

What our children say:  

I love my carers.  

They mean the world to me.  

My carers care about my family as well 

What our colleagues say:  

What is the best thing working for the Mainstream Residential Service from a children’s residential worker perspective: 

• The Head of Service has worked every role and is always supportive. Achievements are celebrated and everyone is heard.  

• We strive for positive outcomes 

• The team I work in is amazing. 

• Being part of the change and seeing the outcomes is the best. 

• Helping make a difference in young people’s lives that lasts a lifetime 

• Every day is a new opportunity to make a difference for someone 

Registered Manager – I have worked as a Registered Manager at Wakefield Council in the small homes for 5 years. I love the support, development, ethos, values and most of all the outcomes you can achieve for our children. Our homes are child focused, connections are strong, and our children are happy.  

Assistant Manager – We create memories and children can enjoy their childhood. We are mentors and believe in the power of one. We provide an environment where children feel supported to fulfil their potential.  

Why Wakefield? 

Wakefield Council is setting the standard for residential childcare. With nearly half of our children’s homes rated Outstanding and the rest Good, we’re proud to be recognised nationally for our commitment to quality, innovation, and staff wellbeing. Our integrated model is a national exemplar, and our partnerships in SEND have earned top marks from both Ofsted and the CQC. 

We don’t just support children—we support the people who care for them. From monthly wellbeing consultations to a hybrid Learning Academy and clear career progression routes, we’re building a workforce that’s skilled, supported, and inspired. 

Read more about our Outstanding results 

Training and development 

Our people are our greatest strength. We believe that when you grow, so does the impact you make—and that’s why we’re committed to investing in your development from day one. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take the next step, we offer structured, supported pathways to help you build a rewarding career in residential childcare. 

• Level 3 Diploma / Level 4 Apprenticeship in Residential Childcare 

• Mandatory and specialist training tailored to your role 

• Access to fully funded Social Worker Apprenticeships for internal candidates 

About our Children and Young People’s Service  

Wakefield’s Children’s Services are Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ in children’s social care, and we’re proud of our transformation journey. We’ve created a culture where good practice is celebrated, and staff are supported to grow and thrive. 

• Small, stable teams with manageable caseloads 

• Strong multi-agency partnerships and co-located teams 

• Dedicated Learning Academy and bespoke training 

• Clear progression pathways and leadership development 

• Emotional Wellbeing Team  

We’re committed to ensuring every child and young person in Wakefield is happy, healthy, and safe, and we’re looking for passionate individuals to help us achieve that vision. 

About Wakefield Council 

Wakefield Council is a stable, ambitious, and well-run authority with a strong reputation for delivering excellent services. We’re proud to be part of a district of over 350,000 people, with a diverse mix of city, urban, and rural communities. 

• We’re one of five metropolitan councils in West Yorkshire and part of the thriving Leeds City Region. 

• Our £8 billion economy is driven by strengths in health and care, manufacturing, logistics, and the arts. 

• We’re home to 10,000 local businesses, two Super League rugby teams, and nationally recognised cultural attractions like the Hepworth Gallery and Yorkshire Sculpture Park. 

• With 70% greenbelt land and 16 nature reserves, Wakefield is a fantastic place to live and work. 

Our workforce of over 5,000 people is supported by an open and inclusive culture, where challenge is welcomed and creativity is encouraged. We’re a council that gets things done, and we’re looking for people who want to make a lasting impact. 

Whether you’re starting out or looking to build on existing experience, our residential roles offer a chance to make a real difference in children’s lives, while building a fulfilling career in a supportive and forward-thinking environment. 

Shift times:  

Alternate weekend working.  

Night shift working occationally.

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.

Company: Wakefield Council

Salary: Grade 7 - Grade 8, 37 hours, Permanent

Location: Wakefield, West Yorkshire

Sector: Health and Social Care

Sector: Health

Sector: Adult Services

Job Role: Support Worker