Relief Children's Residential Practitioner

Job Introduction

Children's Residential Practitioner

Working Pattern: Relief

Location: Robin House, Lincoln

Salary: £18 per hour

Closing Date: 4th December 2026

Robin House

Do you want a career where your warmth, energy and compassion truly matter? A role where your presence can help children feel safe, valued and believed in?

At Robin House, we provide a supportive, nurturing home for children and young people who need stability, care and positive relationships. Whether you’re starting out or bringing valuable life experience with you, we’ll support you to build a meaningful and rewarding career in children’s residential care.

About the Role

As a Relief Children’s Residential Carer (known locally as a Residential Care Officer Level 1), you’ll play a vital role in helping children and young people feel safe, supported and prepared for their future.

This is a role with real responsibility and real impact — offering consistency, care and encouragement at the moments children need it most.

What you’ll be doing:

• Building strong, trusting relationships with children and young people
• Creating a warm, stable and nurturing home environment
• Working closely with a multidisciplinary team to meet each child’s individual needs
• Supporting children to develop independence, confidence and life skills

Pay & Working Pattern

• Salary: £18 per hour, relief hours
• Mileage: Reimbursed at 45p per mile
• Hours: 0 hour contract, relief hours

Shift pattern:

Work when it suits you. Our relief team has the flexibility to pick up available shifts that match their availability, making this an ideal opportunity for those seeking flexible working arrangements while making a real difference to children's lives.

About You

You don’t need previous professional care experience — we’ll provide full training and ongoing development.

We’re looking for people with the right values and approach, including:

• A caring, playful and energetic nature — children learn and heal through play
• Kindness, patience and compassion — essential for helping children feel safe
• ️ The ability to set clear, calm boundaries with warmth and consistency
• A genuine passion for children’s welfare and wellbeing

Skills & Requirements:

• Basic IT skills
• Knowledge or experience of caring roles is helpful but not essential
• Willingness to work towards a QCF qualification in working with children
• A driving licence is desirable, though negotiable for some homes

What We Offer at Robin House

We are committed to supporting our staff just as strongly as we support our children.

You’ll benefit from:

• ✅ A high-quality induction programme
• ✅ Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• ✅ Trauma-informed and therapeutic training
• ✅ Access to therapeutic support to help children feel safe and understood
• ✅ A strong, visible leadership team that values, supports and listens to staff

Our Benefits Package

Alongside a competitive salary, you’ll also receive:

• “Green Book” Local Government terms and conditions
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Free financial wellbeing advice

At Lincolnshire County Council, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we offer a rewarding package designed to support your work–life balance, health and wellbeing, financial security, and career growth. Find out more about our offer to you in the attached brochure.

Ready to Join Robin House?

If you’re ready to be part of a team that truly cares — about children and staff — Robin House could be the place for you.

If you would like an open and informal discussion regards this role then please contact Assistant Homes Manager; Rianne Sanderson by email at Riannex.Sanderson@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Due to recent changes in immigration law in the UK we are unable to offer skilled worker visa sponsorship for this role as it does not meet the requirements.

PLEASE NOTE: It is imperative that your personal statement clearly states why you have applied, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role as set out in the Job Description (attached on LCC jobs Site) and what you feel you can bring to this role, the team and the wider County Council.

Please refer to our Job Information Pack here to support you in your application.

Please be advised that this position is subject to a criminal record check.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward. Please also note: once an application is submitted it is final and cannot be amended. If you withdraw your application, it cannot be reinstated and you will not be able to submit another application for that vacancy. If you have an issue with your submitted application, please contact recruitment@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Fluency Duty

In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Our values – collaborative, adaptable, eco-conscious, supportive, and responsible – guide everything we do. We’re looking for candidates who share these values and bring them to life in their work, helping us build strong teams and make a real difference in the communities we serve.

Attached documents

• Employee Benefits Brochure Lincolnshire County Council.pdf
• 04424-Children's Residential Practitioner-JD-010726 (2) (1).pdf