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Job description

Residential Care Workers are members of a multi-disciplinary team and as such are expected to maintain a ‘team approach’ to the care and treatment of young people. The worker will be expected to bring qualities and attributes which contribute to the overall effectiveness of the team.

Responsibilities

• Residential Care Workers are members of a multi-disciplinary team and as such are expected to maintain a ‘team approach’ to the care and treatment of young people.
• The worker will be expected to bring qualities and attributes which contribute to the overall effectiveness of the team.
• Residential Care Workers will contribute to the provision of good quality physical, social and emotional care for all young people.
• This will include participating in practical and domestic tasks within the unit and to contribute to the health, hygiene, safety and security of the Centre.
• Residential Care Workers will participate in the effective day to day operational running of the unit and the Centre this will be working in line with Woodlands Operational Policies and Procedures.
• Residential Care Workers will complete the required documentation, risk assessments and individual crisis management plan on admission of young people to the JJC and ensure these are shared with all professionals.
• Residential Care Workers will be expected to be active in their supervising duties and in carrying out specific instructions as directed regarding the supervision and monitoring of young people to ensure their safety.
• They must ensure the delivery of mandatory and enhanced observations of young people in line with operational policy and procedures.
• Residential Care Workers will promote and assist the practice of working in partnership with young people, their families and other agencies in order to meet the needs of young people.
• To complete all relevant records / reports in line with Agency Policy and Woodlands Operational Policy and Procedures.
• Residential Care Workers will report any Child Protection concerns to their Line Manager without delay. It is therefore essential that staff are familiar with relevant safeguarding legislation and YJA Child Protection Policies and Procedures.
• To be responsible for planning and implementing individual and group work programmes with young people in Woodlands in accordance with the needs and care plans.
• To participate in handover meetings, team meetings etc.
• To actively participate in appropriate training, supervision and the performance management process.
• To take responsibility to ensure that JJC Policy and Procedures are understood and implemented and to take responsibility to keep abreast of good practice in order to develop skills, knowledge and experience in secure custody and care.
• Residential Care Workers will manage, lead and participate in all situations that may arise in the Centre.
• This may involve participating in the management of critical incidents and potentially dangerous situations, the use of physical intervention techniques and the notification of management and or emergency services.
• All Residential Care Workers will record and report any serious incidents in line with Agency procedures.
• To undertake any other duties as required.
• Fully participate in and successfully complete an initial 9 day long physical training course in Minimising and Managing Physical Restraint (MMPR) including use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and six monthly refresher training in MMPR after.
• This is a mandatory requirement.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Applicants must be capable of communicating with a range of people about difficult matters / or in difficult situations. They will play a key role in information management and communication of critical incidents or serious events.
• They must be competent in maintaining accurate records and complete written records consistent with legislation and YJA policy and procedures.
• Applicants must take responsibility for their own personal development by identifying learning needs, participating in training opportunities and making good use of professional supervision and informal support networks.
• They will also be expected to play a key role in developing the JJC as a learning environment for other staff and colleagues.
• Applicants must work in a way that minimises risks to their own and others safety and security. This includes the completion of all health and safety training.
• They must also provide leadership, support, advice and guidance to others in maintaining health, safety and security.
• Applicants must be capable of maintaining high quality standards in their own work and encourage others to do likewise.
• Applicants also have a key responsibility to promote ongoing development and improvement in services offered by the Centre.
• Candidates must at all times support equality and value diversity. They must act in ways that recognise people’s rights, expressed beliefs and values. They must also take account of how their behaviour can affect others.
• Applicants have a key role in contributing to ongoing risk assessment and planning for young people. They must also be capable of evaluating the effectiveness of such planning in relation to the needs of young people.
• Applicants must be able to assess situations of risk when the potential exists of young people suffering harm or abuse. A knowledge of Safeguarding Procedures is therefore essential.

Desirable Skills

• Good interpersonal skills, with an ability to support colleagues, young people and families
• Ability to form lasting professional relationships
• The ability to cope with demanding and stressful situations and the expression of challenging behaviour, including verbal and physical abuse
• Set, promote and role model appropriate expectations of behaviour for young people in your care
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of personal and professional boundaries
• Flexibility and capable of performing a wide variety of tasks
• Ability to reflect on practice, to want to learn and to learn from others

Further Information

NICS Application form only, Vacancy closing 5th June 2026 at 12 noon. As young people (people under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are currently under represented in the NICS, we would particularly welcome applications from these groups. The Northern Ireland Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer. All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit.

Application Information

Visit the recruitment service www.nicsrecruitment.org.uk (Please quote reference number IRC325748)