Job Title: Qualified Youth Care Mentor – Residential Children’s Home
Location: Hailsham or surrounding areas
Company: Headstart Residential Care
Salary: Total package from £36,000+ per year (including base salary, sleep-ins, and bonuses)
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent (40–48 hours per week)
Bring Your Experience – Change Young Lives
Headstart Residential Care provides therapeutic, nurturing homes for autistic young people with complex emotional and behavioural needs. We are seeking a qualified and experienced Youth Care Mentor to join our dedicated team in Bexhill.
If you hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) and are ready to take your career to the next level, we want to hear from you.
The Role:
As a Qualified Youth Care Mentor, you’ll provide consistent, high-quality support to young people aged 8–17, helping them develop independence, build resilience, and achieve positive outcomes.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading structured routines and supporting with daily care tasks.
• Using your training to promote emotional regulation and wellbeing.
• Supporting therapeutic and behavioural plans alongside the care team.
• Organising and taking part in fun, meaningful activities — from games and sports to creative days out.
• Maintaining professional records and working closely with external professionals.

This is a role where your experience and qualifications truly make a difference.
What We Offer:

We value your skills and commitment — which is why we offer a competitive, well-rounded package including:

• Salary package starting from £36,000+ per year, including:
• Competitive base salary
• £80 per sleep-in
• £250 welcome bonus (after 6-month probation)
• £250 loyalty bonus (after 12 months of service)
• Contracts from 40 to 48 hours per week
• Enhanced DBS paid for by us
• 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday
• A structured 4-week induction to help you settle in confidently
• Ongoing CPD training and development
• Clear progression pathways into senior roles
• Wellbeing support, employee assistance, and a supportive team culture
• Free parking, casual dress, and regular team-building events

What You Must Have:

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent – this is essential
• At least 1 year of experience working in a children’s residential setting
• A full UK driving licence (held for 12 months or more)
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• A calm, caring and proactive approach to support work
• Resilience, reliability, and a real commitment to child-centred care

Be Part of Something Bigger
At Headstart Residential Care, you’ll do more than work — you’ll lead, mentor and be a role model to young people navigating life’s toughest challenges. If you’re ready to use your experience to create lasting change, this is the role for you.
Apply today and join a professional, values-driven team where your skills are recognised and your impact is real.
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Location: In person –

• Leading structured routines and supporting with daily care tasks.
• Using your training to promote emotional regulation and wellbeing.
• Supporting therapeutic and behavioural plans alongside the care team.
• Organising and taking part in fun, meaningful activities — from games and sports to creative days out.
• Maintaining professional records and working closely with external professionals