Residential Childcare Practitioner

Greenleaf House; Galston; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Greenleaf House in Galston, East Ayrshire, seeks a Residential Childcare Practitioner to support trauma-affected young people in a therapeutic residential setting. You will provide day-to-day care, emotional support, and help with education and life skills.

The role operates on a 2-on, 3-off rota with 14-hour shifts and overnight sleepovers, offering extended time off and a career pathway including funded SVQ 3/4 and HNC qualifications.

Qualifications

• Hold a manual UK driving licence.
• Be eligible for PVG Scheme membership and SSSC registration.
• Right to work in the UK without visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people.
• Provide day-to-day care, guidance and emotional support.
• Support education, activities, appointments, family contact and life skills.
• Respond calmly and consistently during challenging situations.
• Contribute to care planning and maintain accurate records.
• Work alongside colleagues and other professionals.
• Drive company vehicles as part of supporting our young people.

Skills

Driving license (UK)

Empathy

Resilience

Clear communication

Team collaboration

Education

SVQ 3

SVQ 4

HNC qualifications

Tools

Manual UK driving licence

Job description

Galston, United Kingdom | Posted on 02/11/2026

Our mission is to support young people to recover from trauma, live fulfilled lifestyles and engage in lifelong learning to transition on to positive destinations.

Our vision is to be the most trusted therapeutic care and education provider throughout the UK. We trust our staff to help support and nurture our young people to have the best outcomes.

Our difference is that we believe in a holistic approach: that the smallest details can mean a world of difference to a vulnerable young person.

We sweat the small stuff.

Job Description

Galston, East Ayrshire

£34,976–£37,447 + overtime at time and a half

Work 2 days. Get 3 days off.

Build a Career that Matters with our Fully Funded Qualifications.

Residential childcare isn't a standard 9-to-5 job, and for the right person, that's one of its biggest advantages.

At Greenleaf, you'll work approximately 11–12 shifts each month, following a 2-on, 3-off rota, giving you extended time away from work while building a career supporting children and young people.

At a glance

• £34,976–£37,447 (inc. sleeps), increasing to £36,328–£38,907 from 1 April
• Clear Fast-Track Career Development Programme
• Approx. 11–12 shifts per month
• 2 shifts on, 3 days off
• 29 days' annual leave + additional leave with service
• Overtime paid at time and a half
• Company-funded SVQ 3, SVQ 4 and HNC qualifications
• Employee discounts
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support

Before you apply

• Hold a manual UK driving licence
• Be able to work our 2-on, 3-off rota, including overnight sleepovers
• Have the right to work in the UK without requiring employer visa sponsorship
• Be eligible for PVG Scheme membership and SSSC registration

Make a difference that lasts

Greenleaf provides therapeutic residential care for children and young people who have experienced trauma and adversity.

Our young people have complex needs and will at times communicate through behaviours that can be challenging. As a Residential Childcare Practitioner, you will look beyond behaviours and provide the consistency, encouragement and support young people need to feel safe, build confidence and achieve positive outcomes.

You'll:

• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people
• Provide day-to-day care, guidance and emotional support
• Support education, activities, appointments, family contact and life skills
• Respond calmly and consistently during challenging situations
• Contribute to care planning and maintain accurate records
• Work alongside colleagues and other professionals
• Drive company vehicles as part of supporting our young people

How the rota works

You’ll work a 14-hour shift followed by a 10-hour sleepover, repeat this the following day, then have three days off.

This means fewer journeys to work and longer periods of downtime throughout the month.

New to residential childcare? Don't rule yourself out.

Experience is valuable, but we're also interested in people with the right values, resilience and life experience.

You don't need to have completed your residential childcare qualifications before joining us.

We'll invest in your development through company-funded SVQ 3, SVQ 4 and HNC qualifications and our Fast-Track Career Development Programme.

If you're compassionate, dependable, resilient and able to build positive relationships while maintaining professional boundaries, we'd like to hear from you.