PEOPLE interested in working at two new children’s residential homes set to open in Shropshire early next year, including one in Oswestry, are being invited to a special Open Day.

It is taking place on Monday, November 28, between 9.30am and 5.30pm, in the University Centre Shrewsbury's Guildhall building.

Shropshire Council's cabinet member for Children's Services, Ed Potter, said that the new homes would help the council better meet the needs of children in the county.

“These new homes will enable us to better meet the needs of our looked-after children by providing additional accommodation within the county," said Councillor Potter.

"This will lead to a wide range of benefits for the children, our staff and the council.

"Children will be closer to home, staff won’t need to travel long distances to visit them, and the council can provide much better care for these children, especially those with complex needs, improving their life chances so that they can develop into responsible Shropshire residents."

More than 25 permanent positions are available at the homes, for care workers and shift leaders.

The ideal candidates must be able to provide care and support to children who have complex needs, may display socially unaware behaviours, and may have experienced abuse, neglect or trauma.

The council is opening the new homes to provide accommodation for children within the county, which is becoming increasingly difficult to find.

The aim is to improve choice for Shropshire children and young people and help reduce the need for, and costs of, external residential placements.

To find out more, and to apply, go to www.careers.shropshire.gov.uk and search for reference 855 (shift leader) and 856 (care workers).

Or you can email any questions to careersinresidentialchildcare@shropshire.gov.uk