Most care jobs feel like you're treading water: the same tasks, the same environment, no room to grow. This role is different. You'll be working in a warm, homely setting with young people aged 11-18 who have learning disabilities and complex mental health needs, in a team that actually invests in you, believes in you, and has a clear pathway to senior roles
Picture this: you arrive at a 6-bedroom home that doesn't feel institutional - it feels like a place where young people can actually thrive. Your day involves genuine connection: helping a teenager build confidence in cooking, supporting someone through a difficult moment with calm presence, celebrating small wins that mean everything. You're not just managing behaviour; you're actively shaping futures and opening doors
Here's what makes this different: you're backed by a multi-disciplinary health team, including an in-house Clinical Psychologist and Consultant Psychiatrist. That means you're never alone when things get complex. The home operates on relationship-based, therapeutic practice - so every interaction you have is part of a bigger, purposeful plan for each young person's recovery and growth
Your team gets it. The manager and deputy are genuinely skilled, experienced role models who create a supportive culture where you're trusted, developed, and valued. Several staff told us: 'I go to work each day to a wonderful environment' and 'each young person is nurtured and supported sympathetically to achieve their best'. That's the kind of place this is
What you will be doing
- Lead and guide young people through daily routines, building life skills and independence in a homely, therapeutic environment
- Provide consistent positive role modelling and emotional support to young people with complex mental health needs and learning disabilities
- Work within the community as well as in the home, helping young people access activities, education and real-world experiences
- Communicate effectively with the multi-disciplinary team (psychiatrist, psychologist, colleagues) to deliver tailored, trauma-informed care
- Stay calm and adaptable when managing challenging situations, always centring the young person's wellbeing and best interests
Why you will love working here
- Competitive salary of £27,999.72 - £29,428.49 per annum (depending on experience), permanent full-time contract
- Fully funded professional training: Level 3 and Level 4 Health and Social Care qualifications, paid for by the home
- Clear career progression routes into senior and leadership roles - this is genuinely a stepping stone, not a dead end
- Salary sacrifice scheme, enhanced leave, wellness support, retail discounts via Blue Light Card, and a supportive team culture built on genuine care
- On-the-job training and ongoing career development from a manager and deputy who are skilled, knowledgeable role models
Is this you?
- You have demonstrable experience supporting children and young people with learning disabilities and/or mental health disorders
- You're resilient, compassionate, and confident managing complex and challenging situations without losing sight of the person
- You communicate clearly with young people and colleagues, and you're a natural team player who takes responsibility seriously
- You're reliable and proactive - the kind of person who doesn't wait to be told what needs doing, and who shows up for your colleagues
- You value growth: you want to develop your skills, learn on the job, and build a real career in residential care
Applications close on 12 October 2026. Great roles like this are filled quickly, so the sooner you apply the better.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.