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.
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 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 5 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
Generous annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising with service
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.
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.
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 , 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, 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.
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