Are you a compassionate individual who wants to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people? Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is currently recruiting dedicated Residential Care Officers to join its children’s residential care services. This opportunity is ideal for people who are motivated to support young individuals in a safe, structured, and nurturing environment while developing a rewarding long-term career in social care.
The Residential Care Officer role involves providing consistent support and guidance to children and young people living in residential settings. Staff members play an important part in creating a stable and positive environment that encourages personal development, emotional wellbeing, and independence. The position requires patience, empathy, and the ability to build trusting relationships with young people while maintaining professional boundaries and safeguarding standards.
Applicants should demonstrate a positive attitude and a genuine interest in working with children and young people. Previous experience in a caring or supportive role is highly beneficial, particularly within social care, youth services, or related environments. Candidates should also possess strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, families, and other professionals to ensure high-quality care and support.
Successful candidates are expected to hold a recognised Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or be willing to work towards achieving this qualification within 18 months of appointment. This commitment to professional development helps ensure that Residential Care Officers maintain the knowledge and practical skills required to provide effective care and support within children’s residential services.
Position: Residential Care Officer
Job Type: Full Time
Salary: £29,540 – £33,699
Location: Stockton on Tees
Further Information
Are you kind, caring and compassionate
Do you want to work in a caring role where no two days are the same
Are you interested in an enhanced training package and career progression opportunities
If this sounds like you, then we’d love to welcome you to our friendly, supportive team.
Stockton Borough Council is seeking to recruit a Residential Care Officer, where you will provide high quality care and support in a residential setting to vulnerable young people who are unable to live with their families. This will include working with children with some behavioural and emotional difficulties, plus other additional needs.
This is a rewarding role where you will be expected to be a positive role model for our children and young people. If you are caring and compassionate, enthusiastic, motivated and approachable we’d love you to join our team.
Although you may not have experience of working within a Children’s Residential Home setting, we recognise that there are a range of life experiences and transferrable skills that would be a welcome addition. If you do not hold the required qualification, then we will provide you with a structured training program and support where needed to gain your required Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
All you need to be a success is:
- A recognised Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or a willingness to work towards within 18 months of appointment
- A positive attitude and experience of working with children and young people
- Ability to work over a 7-day shift rota system 365 day of the year, including working weekends and sleepovers plus some waking nights
- Enhanced DBS clearance
- A full UK driving license.
For more detailed information about the role, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification included in the Supporting Documents section.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council prides itself on being a great place to work where staff are trusted, valued and supported to make a positive contribution at work.
We offer an excellent total reward package, including:
- A competitive salary of up to £33,699
- Enhancements for the role and sleepover payments where appropriate. There may also further opportunities to pick up additional hours as and when required.
- 27 days annual leave per year rising to 32 with 5 years service (plus bank holidays). Ability to purchase additional leave is also available.
- Generous Pension Scheme through the LGPS with ability to pay extra and plan for retirement.
- Access to a number of other employee benefits including learning & development opportunities, a car lease scheme, discounts at high street and online retailers, access to online GP appointments, an employee assistance programme and physiotherapy services.
The salary grade on appointment will be determined by qualifications and experience.
For more information about working for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, please visit the Careers section on our website:
https://www.stockton.gov.uk/careers
If you would like an informal discussion about the post, please contact Sarah Jackson, Registered Manager, at sarah.jackson@stockton.gov.uk
If you want help with your application form or using North East Jobs, the team at Stockton Employment and Training Hub are on hand to offer free advice and guidance – message them via their Facebook page or call 01642 524363.
Guidance for applicants
Accuracy and Use of AI Tools: You must ensure that anything submitted in your application is factually accurate. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. Whilst we accept candidates may use AI tools within job applications; submissions must be truthful and relevant to your own experience.
Application Updates and Communication: All updates regarding your application, including interview invitations, will be sent from ‘DONOTREPLY@NORTHEASTJOBS.ORG.UK’ to the email linked to your North East Jobs account, and will also appear in the ‘My Messages’ section of your account.
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions): This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended). Applicants are therefore required to disclose all criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings, including those which would normally be considered spent, subject to the filtering rules applicable under current legislation.
Right to Work: All applicants must provide valid proof of their right to work in the UK in accordance with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s statutory employment checks. Employment cannot commence or continue unless this has been verified.
Visa Sponsorship: The Council offers visa sponsorship only for a small number of specific roles where it is considered appropriate and necessary to meet service needs. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and is not relevant or applicable to most roles.
Council Principles: The Council’s recruitment principles require fairness, transparency, and a commitment to attracting and developing local talent. Sponsorship will only be offered where there is clear, evidenced justification, such as significant recruitment difficulty or the need for specialist skills that cannot be met from the local labour market.
Limitations: Where an individual (prospective or existing employee) cannot demonstrate a valid right to work in the UK, and where visa sponsorship is not appropriate, justified or approved, the Council will be unable to progress or continue the appointment. This includes cases where an existing employee’s visa is due to expire and sponsorship is not granted.
Application Process
To apply for this role, KINDLY VISIT HERE
Application Deadline
March 23rd, 2026