Children's Residential Senior Practitioner

Surrey County Council; Tadworth; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority seeks a dedicated Senior Practitioner to enhance care and support for children and young people in Tadworth. This role offers a mix of direct work and team leadership while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Candidates should have a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare and experience in multi-agency settings. Excellent benefits include a starting salary of £36,873, 26 days holiday, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous local government pension

26 days holiday

Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts

Qualifications

• Minimum A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
• Ability to foster positive relationships with children and families.
• Proven experience in multi-agency cooperation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate short-break placements.
• Directly support children and young people with complex needs.
• Ensure compliance with national regulations.

Skills

Establishing relationships

Multi-agency working

Effective assessment

Risk management

Strengths-based care planning

Education

A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Tools

DBS check

Driving licence

Job description

About the Role

The Senior Practitioner will work with colleagues to deliver a multi‑agency intensive support service for all children and young people who access short breaks at the home.

We are excited to hire a Senior Practitioner in Tadworth – a great opportunity for a Senior Residential Worker to enhance their knowledge and leadership skills, working alongside the team and fully supported by management.

In return for your expertise, commitment and experience we will enable your ongoing learning and development through a culture of high support and high challenge, and access to a range of learning and development activities.

Are you ready to take the next step in your career in residential children's care?

This role offers a balance between direct work with children and young people and the opportunity to contribute to the development of your team. It is located in Tadworth, Surrey – an area with both urban and rural settings.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the smooth running of short‑breaks
• Leading and co‑ordinating the running of the Solo Placement
• Facilitating the provision of planned and emergency placements, out of hours
• Providing bespoke placement arrangements
• Direct work with children and young people with complex and demanding needs
• Shift‑leading and promoting positive outcomes for all children and young people
• Ensuring services comply with national good practice, guidance, regulations and legislation, including Ofsted frameworks
• Contributing to regular audits and inspections to ensure effectiveness and delivery of key outcomes

Qualifications and Experience

• A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, or equivalent
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with children, adolescents, families and professionals
• Applied knowledge of contextual children’s safeguarding and associated issues
• Proven experience of multi‑agency working
• Demonstrable competence in effective assessment, risk management and strengths‑based care planning
• Experience of delivering statutory childcare services including residential care and knowledge of the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards
• Valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle to support young people to attend appointments, activities or trips
• Enhanced DBS ‘Disclosure and Barring Service’ check, and Children’s and Adults’ Barred List checks

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting salary £36,873 per annum for a 36‑hour week, plus enhanced rates for weekends, bank holidays and sleep‑in duties
• 26 days holiday (rising to 28 days after 2 years, 31 days after 5 years) with the option to buy up to 10 additional days
• Generous local government salary‑related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Learning and development hub providing a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts – gym, travel, shopping
• Opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of residents

Additional Information

• This is a 12‑month secondment opportunity – discuss with your current line manager before applying
• Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving to new unitary councils in April 2027; roles will transfer with current terms and conditions
• We are committed to the safe recruitment of staff across our residential homes; successful applicants will be required to undergo all necessary checks in line with government guidance

EEO Statement

We are a disability‑confident employer, so if you have a disability on your application and meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Application Questions

• Please tell us about the skills and experience you have of providing children’s residential care
• Please tell us about any experience you have of multi‑agency working and why this is important
• Using an example, tell us about a time when you dealt with a challenging work situation effectively; what was the outcome and what did you learn?
• Tell us about any allergies you have that may need to be reasonably managed to ensure your safety and wellbeing when caring for children and young people