Relief Care Officer (Childrens Homes)

The job itself

Flexible Relief Opportunities Across East Riding Children's Homes

Locations: Anlaby, Bridlington, Driffield and Skirlaugh

Could you make a positive difference to the life of a child or young person?

East Riding of Yorkshire Council Children's Services were rated Good by Ofsted following our most recent ILACS inspection, and all of our Children's Homes are rated Good or Outstanding. We are proud to provide high-quality care that helps children and young people stay safe, build positive relationships and make meaningful progress in their lives.

As part of our continued growth and commitment to providing excellent local homes for children and young people, we are looking for compassionate and dedicated individuals to join our team as Relief Care Officers.

This is a flexible role, ideal for those looking to work around existing employment, studies, family commitments or other interests. Some of our relief staff work one shift a month, while others choose to work several shifts each week.

Why Join Us?

Working as a Relief Care Officer is more than just a job - it's an opportunity to help shape the future of children and young people who need caring, supportive adults in their lives.

Previous experience in residential childcare is desirable but not essential. We are looking for people with the right values, attitudes and commitment to making a difference, and we will provide the training and support needed to help you succeed.

In return, we offer:

• Flexible working arrangements.
• Comprehensive induction and training programme.
• Regular supervision and ongoing support.
• Opportunities to develop skills and experience within residential childcare.
• Access to a wide range of professional development opportunities.
• The chance to make a lasting difference to children's lives.

The Role

As a Relief Care Officer, you will help provide the care, support and encouragement that any good parent would offer.

You will:

• Build positive and trusting relationships with children and young people.
• Support young people to attend and engage in education.
• Encourage participation in hobbies, interests and community activities.
• Provide emotional support and promote positive wellbeing.
• Help maintain a warm, welcoming and safe home environment.
• Prepare meals and support daily routines.
• Listen to and advocate for children's wishes and feelings.
• Support family time and positive relationships with those important to them.
• Transport young people using the home's vehicle.
• Work alongside families and professionals to help children achieve positive outcomes.

No two days are the same, but every day provides an opportunity to make a positive impact.

About Our Children and Young People

Many of the children and young people we care for have experienced trauma, loss or significant challenges in their lives. They need adults who are patient, understanding and committed to helping them feel safe, valued and supported.

Our young people tell us that great Care Officers are:

• Caring
• Approachable
• Respectful
• Determined
• Interested in their lives
• Adaptable
• Non-judgemental
• Good listeners

They play an active role in helping us recruit the right people because they know what good care looks like.

About You

We are looking for people who:

• Are kind, caring and compassionate.
• Do not necessarily have previous experience in residential childcare - we can provide the training and support needed to succeed.
• Have experience of caring for, supporting or working with children and young people, either personally, professionally or through voluntary roles.
• Are resilient and able to remain calm and positive when faced with challenges.
• Are able to build positive relationships and set clear boundaries.
• Have excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Are willing to participate in training, including physical intervention training, and use these skills appropriately when required.
• Are positive, solution-focused and able to see opportunities even when situations are challenging.

Working Pattern

This is a relief position, meaning shifts are offered on an as-needed basis to cover annual leave, sickness, training and additional service requirements.

Shifts may include:

• Weekdays
• Evenings
• Weekends
• Bank Holidays
• Sleep-in duties

The number of shifts available will vary from month to month.

Extra Rewards

In addition to the basic hourly rate, the role attracts a range of enhanced payments, including:

• Time and a half for weekend hours worked between 7.00am and 11.00pm.
• Time and a third for weekday evening hours worked between 8.00pm and 11.00pm.
• Sleep-in payments for shifts covering 11.00pm to 7.00am (or an equivalent eight-hour period). These hours may vary depending on the home you are supporting.

Our Practice Model

You Can, I Can, We Can

The work within our Children's Homes reflects East Riding's Stronger Together Practice Model.

Our approach provides a shared set of values, behaviours and ways of working that help us ensure we consistently do the right things, in the right way and for the right reasons

for children, young people and their families.

By working together, we help children develop confidence, resilience, independence and a strong sense of belonging.

We also use the PACE model of care. Through Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy, we aim to understand what children are communicating through their behaviour, rather than responding only to what we see on the surface. This helps us create calm, consistent and emotionally safe homes where children feel listened to, respected and supported to make sense of their experiences.

Join Our Team

If you are looking for a rewarding role where every shift has the potential to change a child's life for the better, we would love to hear from you.

Help us provide safe, nurturing homes where children and young people can thrive, achieve their aspirations and reach their full potential.

Together, we can provide children and young people with the care, stability and encouragement they need to build brighter futures.