Residential Care Worker – Youth Justice

Location: Woodlands Juvenile Justice Centre, Bangor
Pay: Approx. £15.83 per hour + 10.5% Shift Disturbance Allowance + £725 annual Secure Unit Allowance (pro rata)
Hours: 37 hours per week | Rota basis
Positions: 5
Contract: Temporary assignment – 24 October 2026 to 31 March 2027

JDR Recruitment is recruiting 5 Residential Care Workers for Northern Ireland Civil Service assignments with the Department of Justice / Youth Justice Agency at Woodlands Juvenile Justice Centre.

This is a rewarding but demanding role supporting young people within a secure residential environment using a child-first, trauma-informed approach.

The Role

You will:

• Provide high-quality physical, social and emotional care to young people.

• Positively engage with and supervise young people throughout their daily routines.

• Plan and deliver individual and group activities.

• Support young people who may display challenging behaviour.

• Maintain accurate case notes, daily records, risk assessments and incident reports.

• Participate in care planning, case reviews and handovers.

• Work with families, colleagues and other professionals.

• Identify and report safeguarding or child-protection concerns.

• Support the safe and effective day-to-day running of the residential unit.

• Respond appropriately to critical incidents and potentially challenging situations.

• Use approved physical-intervention techniques where necessary and following appropriate training.

Essential Criteria

Applicants must have:

• GCSE English Language and Mathematics at Grade C or above, or equivalent.

• At least 1 year’s experience working with young people who display challenging behaviour within a social care or residential setting.

Working Pattern

The successful candidates will work a rota averaging 37 hours per week, including:

• Evenings

• Weekends

• Public holidays

• 2 weekends out of every 3

A 10.5% Shift Disturbance Allowance is payable from the start date, along with a £725 per annum Secure Unit Allowance, paid pro rata monthly.

Security Clearance

Successful candidates will be required to complete the relevant pre-employment checks and obtain Enhanced security clearance.

JDRBelfast