The role of a residential child care worker is to provide a safe and supportive environment while supervising a child or children. An employee must be able to provide emotional and physical support for clients, particularly when working in a group home or similar institution. Direct contact with family members and registered managers is another significant duty.
An efficient residential child care worker will have the ability to work with children from various backgrounds, and should be knowledgeable on policy and procedures. Skills in communication, both written and oral, are important, as is the ability to report individual assessments and evaluations to supervisors as well as family members or guardians on a day-to-day basis
A qualification in social work is a normal requirement for the position of residential child care worker, usually in the form of a diploma or occupational certificate. A typical salary for the position is around £17,000 – £20,000 a year at entry-level, with increases in line with experience.