Residential Practitioner

Leicester City Council; Leicester; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift enhancements

Professional development and training

Supportive, inclusive workplace

Community-focused organisation

Job summary

Leicester City Council is seeking a Residential Practitioner to lead shifts and manage daily operations across our children's homes. You will build strong relationships with children, act as their keyworker, and support education, life skills, and emotional wellbeing in a nurturing, professional setting.

This role requires substantial experience with vulnerable children in a residential context, holding Level 3 Diplomas or equivalent qualifications, and a commitment to ongoing development.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience of working with vulnerable children, young people or adults, including a residential setting.
• Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare or Level 3 Diploma for Children and Young People’s Workforce (Social Care Pathway) or equivalent qualification or Social Work qualification.
• Background in supporting individuals with diverse needs.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and training.
• Right to work in the UK; sponsorship is not available.

Responsibilities

• Lead shifts and support the day-to-day operation of the home.
• Build positive relationships with children and young people and be a keyworker for them.
• Support education, independence, and life skills development.
• Promote positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing.
• Complete key worker responsibilities and maintain high-quality care records.
• Support and mentor Residential Support Workers.
• Maintain high safeguarding standards and professional boundaries.
• Work collaboratively with families and external professionals.

Skills

Empathy

Resilience

Teamwork

Flexibility

Education

Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Level 3 Diploma for Children and Young People’s Workforce (Social Care Pathway) or equivalent

Social Work qualification (DIPSW, CQSW, CSS or equivalent)

Job description

Full Time / 37 Hours / Permanent

Sponsorship is not available.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Make a real difference every day. Become a Residential Practitioner at one of our children's homes, where you'll nurture young people's growth and wellbeing in a supportive team that invests in you.

Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of children and young people?

We have 8 children's homes ran by Leicester City Council rated as Good and Outstanding by OFSTED which offer a warm and supportive environment for children and young people to thrive.

In this role, you'll help create a safe, nurturing environment where children and young people feel valued, supported, and empowered. You'll use your empathy, resilience, and positive approach to meet their needs, while helping them build confidence and thrive.

You will be part of a compassionate team that values every member. Our residential workers come from various backgrounds, and we are eager to support new team members as they grow in this rewarding role.

Your main duties will include:

• Lead shifts and support the day-to-day operation of the home
• Build positive relationships with children and young people and being a keyworker for them
• Support education, independence, and life skills development
• Promote positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing
• Complete key worker responsibilities and maintain high-quality care records
• Support and mentor Residential Support Workers
• Maintain high safeguarding standards and professional boundaries
• Work collaboratively with families and external professionals

To be successful in this role, you will need

• Substantial experience of working with vulnerable children, young people or adults, either in voluntary, or paid work, this must include a residential setting.
• Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare, Level 3 Diploma for Children and Young People's Workforce (Social Care Pathway) or equivalent qualification or Social Work qualification (DIPSW, CQSW, CSS or equivalent).
• A background in supporting individuals with diverse needs.
• A commitment to ongoing professional development and training.
• An ability to work in different locations Full Right to Work in the UK - Sponsorship is not available.

Under the Equality Act 2010, you must be aged 21 and over and upon being offered a post, we will do an enhanced DBS check, qualifications check and reference checks.

We are looking for individuals who demonstrate the following behaviours

• A caring and compassionate approach to working with young people.
• Resilience in handling challenging situations, both physically and emotionally.
• Strong teamwork skills, contributing positively to a collaborative environment.
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet the changing needs of young people and the team.

Working Hours and Benefits

This role involves working shifts, including:

• Early shifts: 7 am or 8am - 3:00 pm
• Late shifts: 2:00 pm - 10:00 or 11 pm
• Sleep in shift with an allowance paid to undertake these
• A rota system, working every 2 weekends, with a 3-week rolling rota.

We offer generous enhancements for shift work, including additional pay for hours worked, nights, weekends, and bank holidays. This can significantly increase your annual earnings.

At Leicester City Council, we offer

• A friendly, inclusive workplace where everyone is valued.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• A supportive environment that encourages personal growth.
• A chance to be part of a community-focused organisation that truly cares.

If you are excited about working with young people, enjoy variety and fun, and are ready to take on a rewarding challenge in a warm, homely environment, we would love to hear from you!