Job Description

Location:

Reading

Salary:

13.50 - 15.50 per hour, plus on-call and sleep-in payments

Contract:

Full-Time, Permanent

Shifts:

07:30 - 21:30, including sleep-ins as needed

Make a Real Impact. Lead with Confidence. Support with Compassion.

Are you a seasoned residential childcare professional with a Level 3 qualification, ready to step up and shape the future of young lives? If you're passionate about providing safe, nurturing, trauma-informed care--and leading a team to do the same--this is the role for you.

At Cornerstone Children's Homes, we create stable, supportive environments where children and young people in care can thrive. We're searching for a compassionate, confident

Senior Residential Care Worker

to join our Reading team and make a powerful difference every day.

About the Role

As a Senior Residential Care Worker, you'll combine hands-on support with inspiring leadership. You'll be at the heart of the home, delivering high-quality care while guiding your team to excel. Every shift offers a chance to influence, nurture, and empower the young people you support.

What You'll Be Doing

Supporting Young People:

Deliver consistent, child-centred care tailored to each young person's unique needs Encourage healthy routines, build positive relationships, and develop life skills Guide young people through daily challenges, transitions, and personalised care plans Foster strong, trusting bonds that promote resilience and growth

Leading the Team:

Take charge of shifts and lead your team with clarity and confidence Mentor and support junior staff through supervision, training, and coaching Assist in recruitment and onboarding to build a strong, capable team Champion a trauma-informed, reflective culture where learning thrives

Collaboration and Compliance:

Partner with social workers, families, and external agencies to ensure holistic care Attend care reviews, safeguarding meetings, and planning discussions Keep accurate records and uphold all regulatory standards Oversee operational duties like rota planning, reporting, and health & safety
Who You Are

You hold an NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) - essential Experienced in residential childcare with leadership or shift management exposure Well-versed in safeguarding practices and trauma-informed care approaches An excellent communicator and mentor, able to inspire and guide your team Emotionally resilient with a calm, steady approach to challenges Hold a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle insured for business use
What We Offer

Competitive pay: 13.50 - 15.50 per hour, plus on-call and sleep-in allowances A permanent, full-time role within a supportive, stable team environment Comprehensive induction, ongoing training, and professional development opportunities A leadership culture rooted in reflection, values, and continuous improvement Clear career progression pathways to more senior roles The chance to make a lasting, meaningful impact on young lives
Ready to Lead and Inspire?

If you're ready to bring your experience, leadership, and heart to a role that truly matters, we want to hear from you.

Apply now with your CV and a brief cover letter telling us why this opportunity is perfect for you.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 38,000.00-40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension On-site parking Referral programme
Experience:

Residential Childcare: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (preferred) Driving Licence (preferred) DBS Certificate registered to the update service (preferred)
Work Location: In person