Job Description

Therapeutic Residential Worker

Salary:  Up to £28,000 per annum dependant on qualifications and experience

Contract/Hours: Permanent / Full Time – 37 hours per week and casual hours. This is a 24/7, 365‑day home, and the role includes early mornings, late shifts, and waking nights (£50 per sleep in)

Location Newcastle upon Tyne

Closing date for applications is midnight of Monday 10th August

Benefits:

Over 7 weeks inclusive paid leave and the option to buy or sell leave
Excellent training and the opportunity to undertake professional training for some roles
Flexible maternity, paternity and adoption packages
Up to 5% employer contribution and life assurance cover
Blue Light Card eligibility with discounts at 15,000 national retailers

At Action for Children, we offer more than just a job. Join us and you’ll be part of a team dedicated to giving children safe and happy childhoods. See how your skills can make a real difference, helping solve the problems children and young people face every day.

A bit about the role

We’re looking for a warm, caring, and committed Therapeutic Residential Worker to join our team in supporting children and young people who experience emotional and behavioural challenges. In this role, you’ll be offering direct support and helping each child navigate their emotions and behaviours through gentle structure, nurturing routines, and thoughtful therapeutic approaches tailored to their individual needs.

A key part of this role is creating a genuine sense of belonging. You’ll help children build positive relationships with one another, support them in their daily activities, and accompany them on outings that encourage confidence, independence, and life skills. Maintaining a safe, calm, and reassuring environment is essential, allowing each young person to feel grounded, understood, and supported in their personal growth.

We’re hoping to welcome someone with experience working alongside children and young people with EBD or similar backgrounds—someone who communicates with empathy, builds trust with ease, and brings a heartfelt passion for making a meaningful difference in young lives

About the Home

Our home offers a cosy, family‑style home for 3–4 children, creating a safe and nurturing space for those aged 7–18 who have experienced complex trauma. The atmosphere is spacious, calm, and homely, helping each child feel truly part of a family.

Children can unwind with TV, DVDs, or games consoles, giving them chances to relax and enjoy time with friends. Above all, we provide a supportive environment where they can explore their interests, feel understood, and build meaningful connections.

Our children told us they would like their grown‑ups to:

Be patient with them.
Want to spend time with them.
Give them hugs.
Listen to them.
Understand them.
Have fun with them.

What you do could make a difference

Some key responsibilities of the role are;

Planning and joining in with activities, outings, and hobbies that help children grow in confidence
Supporting children with life skills such as cooking, tidying, personal care, and developing independence
Keeping the home environment warm, safe, and welcoming through gentle guidance and clear boundaries
Working closely with colleagues to share insights, plan care, and respond to challenges as a team
Recording observations and completing daily notes to ensure each child’s needs are understood and supported
Using therapeutic approaches to help children manage emotions, build resilience, and feel secure

Let’s talk about you

Experience working in a care setting, building trusting and positive relationships with children and families
Ability to use a range of supportive communication techniques when working with children and their families
A calm, solution‑focused approach when facing challenges, both independently and as part of a team
Emotional resilience and the ability to remain steady and supportive during difficult moments
Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent), or a willingness to complete it within two years—with full support provided

Why Action for Children?

Every child should have a loving home, food, warmth, the chance to grow and learn - the support to cope with life’s challenges. But too many children don’t. By bringing your passion and unique skills and experience, you’ll help us change that where it really matters.

We've been driven by love to take action for children for over 150 years, giving them the protection and practical help they need. A lot’s changed since 1869. But what children really need, hasn’t. So as long as children need us, we’ll be here.

Will you join us?

Contact: Laura McCarthy at recruitmentservice@actionforchildren.org.uk quoting reference 13466

Diversity, equality and inclusion

We work hard to create an inclusive environment. One where individuality is celebrated and where everyone feels valued and supported. Because when we come together, with skills like yours, we’re capable of amazing things.

We actively encourage applications from people with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and people with a disability, as these groups are under-represented within Action for Children.

Want to get to know Action for Children better?

Action for Children Employee Benefits

AfC Commitment Statement

Make a Difference - A Career in Residential Services

Find us on Linkedin, Facebook or YouTube to get to know us better.

Please note we do not offer sponsorship