Residential Activity Worker
Package Description
“Armed Forces Covenant – Proudly Supporting Those Who Serve”
Residential Activity Worker – A New Mission Full of Adventure
Position Based at Mear, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5
Salary: £13.10 - £13.70 per hour £26,566.80 – £27,783.60 per year) *
Additional Earnings: 9 sleep-ins per month (£62.64 per sleep)
Hours: 39 Hours Full-time, Permanent
Rota Pattern
- Work 4 consecutive days, followed by 7 days off
- A handover shift takes place on the Friday after each 4-day working block
- After the 7-day break, work 3 consecutive days, followed by a further 7 days off
- This rota offers a well-balanced schedule with generous, regular time off, providing excellent work–life balance
Important Requirements – Please Read Before Applying
✅NVQ/QCF Level 3 or higher in Child Care (Please clearly state this on your CV)
✅ A full, valid UK driver’s licence is required
✅ You must be at least 21 years of age to apply
⚠️ Applications that do not meet these criteria will not be considered.
Your Next Mission Starts Here
Have you served in the armed forces and ready to channel your discipline, resilience, and teamwork into a career that transforms lives?
At Keys Group, we believe the skills you’ve developed in the military—discipline, leadership, camaraderie, and adaptability—are exactly what our young people need. We're recruiting Residential Activity Workers for our stunning outdoor-based residential setting in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire where adventure meets purpose.
This unique role combines your passion for the outdoors with a powerful and meaningful mission: helping children and young people with emotional and behavioural needs to build resilience, trust, and confidence—often for the first time in their lives.
As part of Keys’ Activity and Intervention Services, you’ll play a vital role in delivering crisis intervention support through the use of outdoor activities as positive interrupters to negative cycles of behaviour. Each service operates a structured 90-day programme, with a standard staffing ratio of 2:1 to ensure focused, individualised support.
While each service is based in a registered children’s home, young people spend the majority of their time in temporary accommodation or camping, especially during the summer months. You’ll accompany them as an activity instructor and care staff, supporting them in a wide range of adventurous outdoor experiences. This approach provides a safe and structured environment away from daily distractions—allowing young people to engage, reflect, and grow.
As young people progress through the programme, support may transition to 1:1 where appropriate, and small group activities (2–3 participants) may be introduced following thorough risk assessments. Accommodation varies and includes cottages, caravans, and tents, typically located in rural settings close to planned outdoor activities.
This is more than just an outdoor job—it’s a chance to make a life-changing impact on vulnerable young people while doing what you love most.
What You’ll Do
- Support and mentor young people in a therapeutic, outdoor-focused environment
- Lead and participate in activities like hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, bushcraft, and team-building challenges
- Help create a structured, consistent, and caring home life during your 4-day shifts
- Provide emotional and behavioural support in partnership with therapists and educators
- Promote personal development, independence, and life skills
- Build strong, respectful relationships that offer young people the stability they may have never known
Why This Role Suits Ex-Forces
✔ You thrive in a structured, active, and purpose-driven environment
✔ You’re a natural leader and team player
✔ You’re calm under pressure, adaptable, and emotionally resilient
✔ You understand the importance of discipline, trust, and mentorship
✔ You want a role that makes a real-world difference
What We’re Looking For
- A genuine passion for helping vulnerable children and young people
- An active interest in outdoor learning and adventure activities
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Flexibility and commitment to overnight stays (4 days on, 8 days off)
- Age 21+, with a Full UK Driving Licence and the right to work in the UK
Why Join Keys Group?
- Full training and development from day one
- Recognised qualifications in care and leadership
- Opportunities for progression – many of our managers started where you are now
- A close-knit, supportive team who’ve got your back
- The chance to make a genuine impact – every single day
- Generous Leave: 5.6 weeks annual leave
- Paid DBS: We cover your Enhanced DBS check and renewals
- Career Growth: Ongoing training & QCF qualifications to boost your future prospects
- Supportive Team Environment – passionate colleagues, professional growth, and wellbeing support
- Pension: Matched contributions up to 3% with our NEST scheme
- Competitive Pay: Real Living Wage employer with enhanced pay for qualifications and experience
- Referral Bonus: £250 for you and your friend when they join
- Comprehensive Induction: Paid onboarding to set you up for success
Turn Your Passion for Service into a Force for Good
✅ Ready to apply?
If you're ready to build a career with purpose and bring your outdoor passion to a meaningful care role – we want to hear from you.
To apply or learn more, email:
lewis.windsor-gault@keys-group.co.uk
#PoweredByPeople #InspiredByAmbition #EPICPeople
*Dependent on Experience and qualifications