Therapeutic Residential Worker
Action for Children · Tyne and Wear
Therapeutic Residential Worker
Salary: Up to £29,000 per annum dependant on qualifications and experience
Contract/Hours: Permanent / Full Time – 37 hours per week, with casual hours available. As a 24/7 home, the rota includes early mornings, late shifts and waking nights (£50 per sleep‑in), planned in advance to support a healthy work–life balance.
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Closing date for applications is midnight of Tuesday 3rd November
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
- As part of our commitment to staff wellbeing, you’ll receive a paid annual Wellbeing Day to use however you choose, supporting a healthy balance between work and life.
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: Please submit an application via our careers page. If you have any further questions, you can contact Laura McCarthy at recruitmentservice@actionforchildren.org.uk quoting reference 13879
Our Commitment to Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism
At Action for Children, we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to thrive. We know that racism and discrimination create barriers, and we are taking active steps to challenge these inequalities in our organisation and in the communities we serve.
We strongly welcome applications from people who are Black, Asian, or from other racialised and ethnically marginalised communities, as well as disabled people, who are currently under-represented in our workforce. We are committed to removing barriers in our recruitment processes and ensuring fair access to opportunities.
We also encourage applications from men, who are under-represented in our Children’s Services roles. We recognise that people hold multiple identities, and we value the richness this brings to our team.
Want to get to know Action for Children better?
Action for Children Employee Benefits
Make a Difference - A Career in Residential Services
Find out more about Action for Children here: Action for Children and on LinkedIn, Facebook or YouTube to get to know us better.
The difference is what you do. You can learn more about why we do it, by checking out our 'Driven by Love' video.
Great opportunity to join us in Newcastle upon Tyne!