Most care roles feel like you're joining an established machine where everything is already decided. This is different. We're recruiting now to build two entirely new children's homes from the ground up, and the people who join first will actually shape how these places work, what they stand for, and the culture they create. If you've got heart, resilience and real experience supporting young people, this could be the most rewarding move you make this year
Picture this: you're part of a small, tight-knit team opening a brand new home. The walls are fresh, the routines aren't yet carved in stone, and every conversation about how you'll support these young people actually matters. You're not following someone else's playbook - you're writing it. That's the reality of joining us right now on the Isle of Wight. We're not another overstretched service limping along; we've just achieved Ofsted registration and we're doing this properly, with proper investment, proper training, and proper support
You'll be working with children and young people who've had a rough time and come with complex emotional, behavioural and developmental needs. These aren't easy placements, and they shouldn't be easy placements - but they are profoundly important ones. You'll use trauma-informed, therapeutic approaches to help young people feel genuinely safe for perhaps the first time in their lives. You'll be there for the small wins: a young person trying a new food, engaging in education, or simply being able to trust an adult. Those moments matter because you made them possible
We're a growing organisation with real career progression, experienced leadership who actually support their staff, and the resources to invest in your development. We'll fund you through the Level 3 Diploma if you need it, you'll get comprehensive induction and ongoing training, and you'll have access to genuine wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme - because we know this work is demanding and you deserve support in return
What you will be doing
- Provide safe, nurturing and structured daily care in line with each young person's individual care plan, placement plan and risk assessments
- Support children with their emotional wellbeing, personal development, daily routines and building practical life skills and independence
- Follow behaviour support plans and use approved therapeutic approaches to respond calmly when young people experience distress
- Build positive, trusting professional relationships with the children in your care while maintaining clear boundaries
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, managers, social workers and other professionals to deliver consistent, joined-up support
- Maintain accurate, timely records and contribute to a positive, welcoming and stable home environment
Why you will love working here
- Up to £16.50 an hour for permanent, full or part-time work
- The genuine opportunity to help establish and shape two brand-new children's homes from day one - your ideas and energy will actually influence how these places develop
- Comprehensive induction and full mandatory training to set you up properly
- Support to complete the Level 3 Diploma in Childcare if you need it, funded by us
- Access to Perkbox benefits including high-street discounts, confidential wellbeing and counselling support through an Employee Assistance Programme, and online GP services for you and your dependants
- Career progression within a growing, properly resourced organisation with an experienced, supportive leadership team
Is this you?
- Is this you: you've got at least one year's experience supporting children or young people, either in a professional care role or through relevant personal experience
- You have a genuine, rock-solid commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
- You can stay calm, grounded and emotionally resilient even when situations are challenging or distressing
- You're reliable, professional and genuinely committed - the kind of person young people can trust to show up consistently
- You can communicate clearly in writing and conversation, and you're willing to complete mandatory training and get qualified to do this work well
- You hold a full UK driving licence and you're open to working shifts that best support the needs of the home and the young people in it
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.