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Houseparents and residential wardens are responsible for the care and supervision of children, young people and the elderly within residential homes, schools or their own homes. An essential requirement of their work is that they reside with those for whom they are providing support.

Main tasks

  • Keeps records and writes reports.
  • Maintains contact and discusses problems/progress with other staff and social workers.
  • Establishes and maintains contact with members of the neighbouring community and/or the residents’ family and friends.
  • May provide one-to-one counselling or group therapy.
  • Manage the household (domestic duties).
  • Ensures that students attend school regularly.
  • Ensures that all material needs of residents are provided and endeavours to resolve any problems that they may have.
  • Plans and participates in games and leisure activities to encourage emotional, social, physical and intellectual development.
  • Creates friendly, secure atmosphere and tries to gain the trust and confidence of those in the home or under supervision.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£58,533.82

Average earnings

£37,442.38

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Skills & knowledge

The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Therapy and Counselling

Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counselling and guidance.

Psychology

Knowledge of human behaviour and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioural and affective disorders.

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Level 3 NVQ; A Levels

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 0 7%
Level 1 7%
Level 2 18%
Level 3 27%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 15%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 19%
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) 7%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.