Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner - Children's Home - Croydon

St Christophers; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading children's charity in Greater London seeks a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner to provide high-quality support for children. The role involves developing PBS plans, conducting assessments, and coaching staff. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree and experience with children with learning disabilities. Join us to create positive life experiences and help children achieve their potential with a competitive salary and supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Contributory pension scheme

Discretionary funded training programmes

Qualifications

• A university degree in Psychology or health and social care.
• Training in Positive Behaviour Support, or willingness to undertake training.
• Understanding of safeguarding regulations.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality behaviour support for children.
• Develop tailored PBS plans and conduct functional assessments.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and provide staff training.

Skills

Strong knowledge of PBS theory and practical application

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to respond professionally to challenging behaviour

Teamwork skills and flexibility

Previous experience with children with learning disabilities

Education

Higher-level qualification in Psychology or relevant field

Recognised qualification in Positive Behaviour Support

Job description

About the role

As a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner, you will play a key role in supporting and guiding staff teams to deliver high‑quality, person‑centred behaviour support for the children in our care. You will carry out functional assessments, develop tailored PBS plans, and deliver both direct and indirect interventions to ensure each child's individual needs are met. You will also provide advice, coaching and training to staff and carers, working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to promote consistent, safe, and effective support.

Safeguarding and Vetting

St Christopher's is fully committed to safeguarding all children and young people. Applicants will be required to complete an online application and, if they are not already on the DBS Update Service, we will carry out a DBS check prior to the start date.

Qualifications & Experience

• A higher‑level qualification (university degree) in a relevant field such as Psychology, or a health and social care vocational qualification.
• Recognised qualification or training in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), or willingness to undertake such training.
• Strong knowledge of PBS theory and its practical application.
• Understanding of current best practices and guidelines for managing challenging behaviour, including approaches that promote restraint reduction.
• Basic understanding of safeguarding regulations and procedures.
• Previous experience supporting children and young people to reach their full potential.
• Proven experience working with children with learning disabilities, autism and complex behavioural needs.
• Experience implementing physical interventions safely and using PBS in practice.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience working within multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to respond professionally and effectively to challenging behaviour.
• Genuine commitment to supporting children and young people, building trusting relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Strong teamwork skills, flexibility, creativity, enthusiasm and energy to inspire and encourage young people to achieve their goals.
• Flexibility to work outside office hours where applicable.
• Commitment to undertaking mandatory training (via e‑learning or in‑person courses) and to ongoing continuous professional development.
• Willingness to attend regular supervision.
• Our vision is for every child and young person to be safe, loved and happy, to achieve their potential and have a bright future.

About St Christopher's

St Christopher's is a leading charity for children and young people, offering fostering, children’s homes and innovative leaving‑care services across the UK and Isle of Man. We are proud of our history of providing positive life experiences for young people who are unable to sustain a placement in their parental or foster home.

What we offer

• Competitive salary.
• A friendly working environment, an open and honest culture.
• 25 days holiday rising to 27 days after 3 years of service, plus bank holidays, pro‑rata.
• Industry‑leading training programme including access to level 3 qualifications, children’s rights and participation, CSE, empowerment, mental health and social pedagogy.
• Contributory pension scheme, enhanced maternity and company sick scheme.
• UK Life Assurance (death in service) to the value of 3 times your annual salary.
• BUPA employee assistance programme, offering counselling, financial advice and legal support.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Bluelight card; discount shopping scheme at hundreds of retailers across the UK.
• Discretionary funded training programmes.
• Employee awards based on performance and length of service.
• Fantastic opportunities to develop your career within our range of services.