Child Care Officer

🌟 Childl Care Officer – SEMH Primary School with Residential Provision

Location: Chelmsford
Full-Time | Term-Time Only
Split Shift: 7:30am–9:30am & 2:30pm–9:00pm

Are you someone who finds fulfilment in helping children feel safe, valued, and understood? Do you have the patience and emotional resilience to be a calming, consistent presence in a child’s life—especially one who has faced significant challenges?

If this sounds like you, we would love to introduce you to a truly special opportunity.

Parker Smith Inclusion is working closely with a unique SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) primary school in Chelmsford, which also provides residential care for its pupils. The school has recently joined a highly respected Trust and is on an inspiring journey of growth and transformation. It’s a place where students don’t just receive education—they are given stability, kindness, and the space to rediscover their potential.

We’re looking for a Residential Care Officer to join the residential team—someone who’s not just there to supervise, but to genuinely connect with and support young people. Your presence will play a vital role in their day-to-day routines, emotional development, and overall sense of wellbeing.

💛 What Will Your Day Look Like?

You’ll work in split shifts, supporting students before and after their school day—helping them prepare for learning in the morning, and guiding them through residential life in the evening.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Building trusting relationships with individual pupils, many of whom have experienced trauma, neglect, or instability.

• Creating a safe, calm, and consistent environment where children can develop socially and emotionally.

• Guiding young people in essential life skills, from personal hygiene to managing relationships, cooking, and household tasks.

• Accompanying students on appointments and outings—this could be a trip to the GP, a shopping trip, or simply a walk in the community.

• Monitoring and supporting their wellbeing, and contributing thoughtful insights to team reports and care plans.

• Living and working in small residential houses (Monday to Friday), designed to feel like home and foster independence and belonging.

• Encouraging participation in evening activities, such as swimming, going to the cinema, bowling, arts and crafts, and sports.

• Supporting access to incredible on-site facilities, including a music studio, swimming pool, and even a working farm!

🌱 Why This Role Is So Rewarding

This isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to be a stable, caring figure in a young person’s life. Many of the children you’ll work with have had to grow up far too fast. What they need now is an adult who believes in them, listens to them, and shows up for them—consistently.

You’ll be joining a team that feels more like a family, where everyone is working towards the same goal: helping children heal, grow, and thrive.

🧩 Is This You?

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is genuinely empathetic, calm under pressure, and has strong emotional intelligence.

• Feels passionate about working with children who have faced adversity.

• Can be a consistent, grounding presence, even on challenging days.

• Understands the value of routine, warmth, and humour in building trust and confidence.

• Wants to work in a setting where every small breakthrough matters.

🌈 Why Parker Smith Inclusion?

We’re not your average recruitment agency. Here’s what makes us different:

• 250+ 5-star Google reviews from people we’ve helped

• We focus solely on SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) – it’s our passion and purpose

• We work ethically and transparently – always PAYE, no umbrella companies

• We provide ongoing support and guidance tailored to you

• We match you to environments where you’ll genuinely thrive

✨ Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're ready to be part of something meaningful—something life-changing—we’d love to hear from you. Apply directly via this advert or reach out to Harry@psinclusion.co.uk for a confidential chat about the role.

You could be the person who helps a child feel safe enough to smile again