Nights Residential Child Care Worker

Role overview

Lancashire County Council is recruiting Night Residential Child Care Workers for its Children and Family Services team in East Lancashire. The salary range is £28,142 to £32,061 per annum, with pay adjusted pro rata for part-time hours. Both full-time (37 hours per week) and part-time opportunities are available.

This position is not eligible for international sponsorship.

The role covers residential homes across East Lancashire, including Burnley, Nelson, Padiham, Clitheroe, Accrington, and Haslingden. Because the post may require working across different homes in the cluster, access to a personal vehicle is essential. A car must also be available for work-related duties and insured for business use, although applicants who cannot drive because of a disability may still be considered.

Pay and working arrangements

Night and weekend hours attract enhanced pay. Work between 11pm and 8am may receive a 25% uplift, provided the shift starts before 6am. These enhancements do not apply to shift workers. Weekend work may earn up to 33% extra when it forms part of the contractual working week.

About the service

The children’s residential service is growing, with additional opportunities in Central Lancashire linked to the opening of a new home in the area. The service is focused on delivering high-quality care and support, building strong and lasting relationships with children, and creating a positive environment where young people can develop across all areas of life. Creative practice and enjoyable activities inside and outside the homes are an important part of the approach.

What the role involves

You will be part of the night care team in a children’s home, supporting young people who are unable to live safely with their parent(s) or family, often due to trauma or adverse childhood experiences. During the night, you will help keep the home secure, provide reassurance if children wake, and respond calmly and supportively to any issues that arise.

The role also involves offering 1:1 support around feelings, emotions, and behaviour, and working alongside other professionals such as social workers, schools, police, and health staff to help meet each child’s needs.

What children want from the right person

Children have shared that they want a worker who is approachable, listens properly, spends time with them, takes action when needed, and can build a relaxed, trusting relationship. They also value someone who can be present rather than hidden away behind a locked door, and who can even make good food.

Support, training, and development

The management team is described as ambitious, confident, motivated, experienced, and supportive, with a strong focus on helping staff learn and progress. More than 50 free courses are available, along with funded qualifications that can be supported up to degree level.

A detailed induction programme is provided to prepare new starters for every part of the role. Permanent employees also receive a monthly one-to-one reflective session with managers, access to a comprehensive employee support offer, and opportunities to connect with other professionals working with children.

Employee benefits

Staff benefits include access to the “Blues and Twos” Credit Union, Blue Light Card membership, and a range of discounts with local retailers.

What the organisation is looking for

The ideal candidate will be creative, committed, resilient, and team-oriented. The organisation is looking for someone who genuinely cares about helping children, young people, and families, is willing to go the extra mile on difficult days, and can contribute positively within a close professional team.

The service is expanding, so the employer wants people who are forward-thinking and able to help shape the future of the team. Alignment with the organisation’s values is important: supportive, innovative, respectful, and collaborative.

Application process

Applicants should submit a CV or resume with their application. If you have questions before applying, you may contact the Talent Team by email to arrange a confidential conversation.

The closing date is 31 July 2026, and interviews are held weekly every Wednesday. The organisation may close the vacancy early if enough suitable applications are received.

Additional conditions

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, as amended in 2013. If successful, you will need to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure.