Careers

Join our team.

We're building a values-led team of kind, fun and patient adults who believe every child deserves safety, stability and the chance to thrive.

Build something from day one

A rare chance to shape a home from the very beginning.

We're opening our first home in Rushden, Northamptonshire - and we're intentionally investing in incredible people from the outset. You won't be inheriting a culture; you'll be helping to create one. Calm, structured, centred on happiness, consistency and trust.

Current opportunities

Two ways to join us.

Download Application Form

Frontline

Children & Young People's Therapeutic Support Worker

Full time, Senior and flexible (zero-hour) roles

£14.25 – £15.75 per hour (DOE) + £60 sleep-in

Rushden, Northamptonshire (NN10)

10:00 – 10:15 the following day, sleep-in 23:00–07:00.

Join a brand-new home from day one and become a key, trusted adult for children who may not have experienced consistency before. You'll be part of daily routines, supporting young people with education, activities and life skills, while contributing to care planning and reflective practice.

What we're looking for

•Thoughtful, grounded people genuinely committed to doing this work well
•Emotionally aware, calm under pressure, willing to reflect and grow
•People who bring fun and positive energy into a team
•Connection-before-correction mindset
•Level 3 or 4 in Residential Childcare desirable (required for Senior roles) - but values and attitude matter most
•Lived and transferable experience welcomed (care leavers, foster carers, related roles)

Practical details

•Full UK driving licence required
•Own vehicle (45p/mile) or use the home's company vehicle (drivers 25+)
•Private, comfortable sleep-in bedroom designed for proper rest and shift patterns designed for a great work/life balance

Leadership

Deputy Manager / Service Development & Practice Leader

Core Deputy Manager role with optional progression pathway

£38,000 – £45,000 per annum (DOE) + up to 10% annual bonus

Rushden (NN10)

Predominantly Monday–Friday with flexibility, occasional shifts and on-call rota (£15/night, mostly phone-based).

Help build a home from day one and shape the culture, standards and future of a growing organisation. A hands-on leadership role supporting the Registered Manager - visible in practice, leading by example, and modelling high-quality trauma-responsive care.

What we're looking for

•Working towards or holding Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management
•Experience at Deputy Manager level or equivalent
•Strong safeguarding knowledge and decision-making ability
•Experience supporting Ofsted inspections / Regulation 44 visits
•Confident developing and supervising staff teams
•Values-led, emotionally intelligent, calm under pressure

Practical details

•Optional Service Development & Practice Leader pathway over time
•May move between services every 6–12 months across Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire (medium/long term, carefully planned)
•Full UK driving licence required

What you'll receive

Sector-leading benefits, built around you.

Alongside an attractive hourly rate or salary and paid sleep-ins, our package is designed to keep you well, growing and proud of your work.

30 days annual leave

Plus an extra day off for your birthday and a paid volunteering day each year.

Fully funded qualifications

Including the Level 4 Children, Young People & Families Practitioner apprenticeship.

Protected learning time

Paid time for development as part of your role - not an afterthought.

Sector-leading training

Trauma-responsive care, ARC, DDP/PACE and Positive Behavioural Support.

Clear career progression

Operational, quality and therapeutic pathways as the organisation grows.

Blue Light Discount Card

Plus monthly employee recognition and voucher incentives.

Confidential EAP

Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 wellbeing support.

All meals on shift

Eat with the young people - food is part of the home.

Paid mileage

45p per mile for activities and lift sharing.

Visible, supportive leadership

Kind, approachable leaders genuinely invested in your development.

Thoughtful shift patterns

Designed for consistency for young people and real work-life balance for you.

Company pension

Auto-enrolled pension scheme alongside your salary.

How to apply

Two simple steps.

Download the form

Complete our application form - it replaces the need for a CV and helps us meet safer recruitment requirements.

Application Form

Email it to Joey

Send your completed form (and any questions, even informal ones) to our Registering Manager.

joey.shearman@saplingstonecare.co.uk

Sapling & Stone Care is committed to safeguarding and to building a diverse, inclusive team. We warmly welcome applications from individuals from marginalised backgrounds and those with lived experience of being in care. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS and safer recruitment checks.