Job Description

Job description
We are looking for caring and committed individuals to join our team as Residential Child Care Casual Workers at our OFSTED-registered home Pinecroft.



We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

Our Home

Pinecroft shared care service is dedicated to supporting children with physical disabilities, learning difficulties and/or sensory impairment. We pride ourselves in offering high quality personalised care to the most vulnerable and complex children aged 8-18. Our goal is to transform lives by being passionate, committed and creative in everything we do. We believe improved outcomes for children are possible through a proactive and consistent approach, where learning through play and accessing the community is essential.

About the role

The staff team support the young people to enable them to lead as full a life as possible. Our aim is to empower young people to achieve and develop skills that will give them a solid foundation to succeed. We further aim to promote social inclusion to access everyday opportunities and community participation.



The role requires casual staff to work ad hoc early shifts (7am-3pm), late shifts (2pm-10pm), long days (7am-10pm), sleep-ins, a minimum of 2 weekends per month (when required) and religious celebration days. The home will be closed on bank holidays unless service needs require us to be open.



This shift-based role involves personal care/manual handling, domestic duties including preparation of meals and cleaning, medication administration, key working, report writing and accompanying the children on activities and appointments.



Pinecroft invests heavily in the continued professional development of its staff, once you have completed your probation, we will offer the opportunity to gain the nationally recognised Level 4 children and young peoples and family's practitioner residential pathway qualification.

About you

We are looking for caring and committed individuals who are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people. You will be resilient, adaptable, and able to work effectively as part of a team in a challenging but rewarding environment.

You should have:

A kind and compassionate nature, with the ability to build trusting relationships. Strong teamwork and excellent communication skills (verbal and written). The ability to remain calm and cope in stressful or challenging situations, including those that may be confrontational. Initiative and problem-solving skills, with the ability to meet deadlines. A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Experience and qualifications:

Experience working with children and young people with learning disabilities. Knowledge of good practice principles in residential or short-break care. Willingness to undertake a Diploma for Residential Childcare (or equivalent).

You'll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you'll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.




Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

Work Together as one team -

work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do

Drive Efficiency -

show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential

Be Ambitious -

be demanding of our own performance - striving to be even better - and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way

Make a Difference to Reading -

maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you'll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.



A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:


Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years' service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave A wide range of flexible working opportunities Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS) On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact Helena.Baptista@reading.gov.uk



Closing Date: Sunday 7th December 2025

Interview Date: To be confirmed



Interview Process: Face to Face