Residential Childcare Worker

Be Someone Who Makes Home Feel Safe, Supportive and Full of Possibility. Looking for a career where the everyday moments can make an extraordinary difference? At Options Autism, we're looking for caring, positive and resilient people to join our residential team in Lochmaben. As a Residential Childcare Worker, you'll help create a warm and nurturing home where children and young people can feel safe, build confidence and develop the skills they need for greater independence. You don't need previous experience in residential childcare to join us. What matters most is your ability to build relationships, remain calm when things get challenging and genuinely care about helping young people succeed. We'll provide the training and support you need to develop your skills and build a rewarding career. We also understand that people have different commitments outside of work. Various hours and shift patterns are available, with working arrangements discussed with you at interview. What You'll Be Doing No two shifts will be exactly the same. Some days will be about building confidence and trying something new. Others might involve providing reassurance through a difficult moment or simply enjoying the everyday routines that help make a house feel like home. You'll be:

• Supporting children and young people with their daily routines, individual needs and personal goals
• Building positive and trusting relationships that help young people feel safe, valued and understood
• Encouraging the development of confidence, independence and everyday life skills
• Supporting young people with appointments, shopping, activities and opportunities within the community
• Getting involved in hobbies, interests, days out and new experiences that help young people enjoy life and discover what they can achieve
• Providing calm, consistent and compassionate support during more challenging moments
• Helping create a warm, welcoming and comfortable home, including cooking, cleaning and everyday household tasks
• Completing records and documentation accurately to support high standards of care
• Working closely with colleagues to provide consistent support and positive experiences for every young person
  
  You don't need previous care experience or specific qualifications to get started. We're looking for the right people, with the right values.
You might already work in care or support, or perhaps your experience comes from retail, hospitality, customer service, education, youth work, sports, coaching, the Armed Forces or another people focused role. What matters is that you are:
• Kind, caring and compassionate, with a genuine interest in helping children and young people
• Patient and resilient, with the ability to remain calm and supportive when situations become challenging
• Positive, dependable and able to adapt your approach to different people and situations
• A confident communicator who can build positive and appropriate relationships
• Happy to get involved in everyday life, whether that means preparing dinner, heading out on an activity, helping with shopping or supporting a favourite hobby
• Comfortable working as part of a team and contributing to a supportive home environment
• Willing to learn, undertake training and continue developing your skills
• In possession of a Full UK Driving Licence
  
  Holistic Childcare and Education consists of two specialist homes: Closeburn House and Maben House.
Closeburn House supports young people aged 10-16 years, while Maben House supports young people aged 6-16 years. Both homes are within commuting distance of Dumfries, Lockerbie and surrounding areas. Our homes are dedicated to helping young people develop independence, life skills and personal interests, creating opportunities for brighter futures. Every day is different, offering both challenge and reward as you support young people in a safe and nurturing environment where they are listened to, respected and encouraged to thrive. For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care. We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running. Why Join Options Autism? We place children and young people at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference.

Salary: Up to £31,290 per annum (depending on experience, including sleep in payments) Hours: Permanent, Various hours and shifts available (to be discussed at Interview) Essential: Full UK Driving Licence, We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS check.
• Pension Scheme
• Life Assurance
• Enhanced Family Growth Support
• Critical Illness Cover
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Support