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Residential Child Care

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Residential Child Care Worker Level 2 – Lighthouse | Derby City Council

Salary: £34,237–£37,563 per year

Location: The Lighthouse Residential Unit, St Mark’s Road, Derby, DE21 6AL

Job Type: Permanent, part-time

Working Hours: 18.5 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Job Reference: 000012583

Closing Date: 22 November 2026 (see closing-date discrepancy below)

Visa Sponsorship: Not stated in the job advert. Contact Derby City Council to confirm whether sponsorship is available.

Job Overview

Derby City Council is recruiting a Residential Child Care Worker Level 2 to join its Lighthouse Residential Unit. The successful candidate will help deliver residential short-break care for disabled children and young people aged 0–17.

This role is suited to caring, patient and enthusiastic individuals who have experience supporting young people with learning disabilities, complex needs and challenging behaviours.

You will help children and young people receive appropriate care, support their development and build positive relationships with their families. You must be able to work as part of a team, follow care plans and adapt your approach to meet individual needs.

Applicants must be aged 22 or above.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide residential short-break care for disabled children and young people.
  • Support young people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, complex needs and clinical requirements.
  • Follow care plans and help ensure each young person’s needs are met.
  • Build positive relationships with children, young people and their families.
  • Support young people with autism, sensory difficulties and communication challenges.
  • Understand and respond to children’s physical, emotional, social and developmental needs.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues to plan and deliver safe, effective care.
  • Adapt to changing service requirements and work a flexible shift pattern.

Requirements and Qualifications

Applicants should demonstrate the following:

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  • Experience working with learning-disabled children and young people aged 0–17.
  • A genuine interest in supporting young people with complex needs and challenging behaviours.
  • Knowledge of autism and approaches to supporting autistic young people.
  • Experience supporting individuals with sensory, communication, physical or clinical needs.
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
  • Excellent written and numerical skills.
  • The ability to work effectively within a team and follow care plans.
  • Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and occasional sleep-in duties, with waking-night care required in emergencies.

A Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care for Children and Young People (CYP) or an equivalent NVQ Level 3 qualification is desirable. A commitment to studying towards this qualification is essential for applicants who do not already hold it.

Working Pattern

This is a part-time position offering 18.5 hours per week. Shift work is essential and includes evenings, weekends and occasional sleep-in duties. Waking-night care may be required in emergencies.

Successful applicants must be flexible and willing to change shifts to meet the needs of the service.

Employee Benefits

Derby City Council offers a range of benefits, subject to role, contract and eligibility.

Financial Benefits

  • Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), including life cover.
  • Team Derby Rewards discounts across retail, leisure and lifestyle brands.
  • Tusker Car Benefit Scheme for leasing a vehicle through salary sacrifice.

Annual Leave and Work-Life Balance

  • Annual leave starting at 27 days and rising to 32 days after five years of service, plus bank holidays where applicable.
  • Option to purchase additional annual leave.
  • Flexible and hybrid working arrangements for eligible roles.
  • Flexible retirement options where eligible.
  • Support for employees with caring responsibilities.

Learning and Career Development

  • Learning and development opportunities.
  • Career conversations and mentoring.
  • Leadership and management development programmes.
  • Opportunities to gain professional qualifications.

Health and Wellbeing

  • Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support.
  • Free annual flu vaccinations.
  • Cycle2Work Scheme and free cycle training.

Additional Benefits

  • Up to 15 hours of volunteering leave annually.
  • Employee recognition and long-service awards.
  • Employee networks supporting inclusion, disability, carers, neurodiversity and other communities.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Derby City Council welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is committed to maintaining an inclusive workplace.

Eligible disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria may apply through the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. Eligible members of the Armed Forces community, veterans and close family members may also qualify.

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process, including application, interview and onboarding.

Application and Selection Process

Applications can be submitted through the official Derby City Council recruitment website.

Option 1: Apply online

Submit your application through the council’s recruitment portal and ensure your supporting statement clearly demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria in the person specification.

Apply online for this vacancy

Option 2: Apply using your CV

Applicants who prefer to apply using a CV must download and complete the required Declaration Form and email it to Nicola Richardson at Nicola.richardson@derby.gov.uk. Applications without the completed declaration form will not be accepted.

The Equalities Form is optional and can be returned to recruitment.team@derby.gov.uk.

Before applying, read the council’s application form guidance.

Useful documents:

Contact Information

For further information about the role, contact:

  • Nicola Richardson: Nicola.Richardson@derby.gov.uk
  • Alexandra Myler: Alexandra.Myler@derby.gov.uk
  • Nathan Walters: Nathan.walters@derby.gov.uk

For recruitment assistance:

  • Telephone: 01332 640844
  • Relay UK: 18001 01332 640844
  • Email: recruitmentteam@derby.gov.uk

Important Information

The successful candidate will be subject to the appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Derby City Council normally appoints successful candidates at the minimum of the salary grade. The vacancy may also be withdrawn before the advertised deadline if it is filled through the council’s redeployment process.

Closing-date discrepancy: The job details list 22 November 2026, while the application instructions state Sunday 11 November 2026. These dates do not match, and 11 November 2026 is a Wednesday. Confirm the correct deadline with Derby City Council before submitting your application.

 

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