Job summary
Full time 37 hours per week

Do you have the right values to make a difference to a child's long-term future and positive outcomes? If you are dynamic, resilient, and dedicated, our children would really benefit from your support.

We are currently recruiting to our homes across Devon.

Working within our Children's Homes is one of the most rewarding career choices you will make. If you have the drive and dedication, then you will enjoy an exciting and rewarding career with us.

Our Children's Homes are registered with Ofsted and provide support for children and young people with complex needs, ensuring their individual care plans and needs are met.

The ethos of the service is to provide children with a home-from-home experience, enhance and promote their experiences and independence. You will also help to prepare them for the next stages of their life.

Main duties of the job
The role includes:

• Supporting children and young people achieve their personal wishes and goals.
• Assisting with daily tasks and life skills.
• Striving for aspirational outcomes for the children.
• Creating a fun and positive atmosphere.
• Organising and taking part in activities.
• Being proactive and innovative in seeking new methods to engage.

Personal qualities:

• Ability to engage and build positive relationships with children and young people.
• Remaining calm in challenging situations.
• Able to implement boundaries.
• Able to adapt and respond quickly.

This is an enjoyable and rewarding position for someone who is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children and their families.

Please note:

• You must have the ability to drive, with access to your own vehicle. A valid UK driving licence* is required and business insurance is essential to the role. (*an automatic driving license may not be accepted due to some homes having manual vehicles which staff would be expected to drive). If you hold an automatic license, please contact the recruiting manager to discuss before submitting your application.
• We cannot offer Visa sponsorship for this post or consider applications from individuals with less than two years left on existing visas as we require consistency to meet the needs of the service.

Pay and enhancements:

• 37 hours per week, plus enhancements (up to £4,000 per year).
• Start rate is £14.36 per hour, rising to £15.31 per hour.
• Overnight rate is £18.53 per hour, rising to £19.76 per hour.
• Saturday rate is £20.85 per hour, rising to £22.23 per hour.
• Sunday and bank holiday rate is £27.80 per hour, rising to £29.64 per hour.

We work on a 3 shift per 24 hours basis (AM/PM/Nights or Sleep Ins) and our homes are open up to 365 days a year.

07.00am to 14.45, 14.30 to 22.00, Sleeps from 22.00 to 7.00am

We are currently in consultation regarding the rotas, so the rota patterns are subject to change.

It is important to understand that you will need to work shift patterns, this will include late nights, early mornings and staying overnight to support the needs of individual children.

Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• Experience of working with young people with complex needs.
• Familiar with person centred planning.

Desirable

• Knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures.

Qualifications
Essential

• Numeracy and literacy skills to GCSE level.

Desirable

• First Aid Certificate.
• Short courses that are relevant to the role i.e. First Aid, Food Hygiene, trauma led practice.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details
Employer name: Devon County Council
Employer's website: https://www.devon.gov.uk/

For questions about the job, contact: Holly Wilschere-Green, holly.wilscheregreen@devon.gov.uk

Closing date: 08 November 2026