Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner

Randstad Care; Dumfries; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad Care is seeking an experienced Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner in Scotland. The role focuses on leading the floor, supporting the House Manager, delivering care to children and young people, and supervising a dedicated team.

You will work toward SVQ 4, uphold GIRFEC and SHANARRI principles, and manage daily operations and compliance within a residential home.

Qualifications

• Proven residential child care experience and ability to motivate and supervise colleagues.
• Excellent understanding of Health and Social Care Standards, GIRFEC, SHANARRI.
• Willingness to work towards SVQ 4 and maintain SSSC registration.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise Residential Child Care Practitioners; support House Manager.
• Manage staff rotas and shift coverage; model best practice.
• Promote safeguarding, well-being, and education advocacy for young people.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Report writing

Crisis management

Education

SVQ 4 goal

SSSC registration

Job description

We are looking for an experienced, motivated, and compassionate Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner to join our residential team. If you are a natural leader who is passionate about making a genuine difference in young lives, we want to hear from you.

The Role

As a Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner, you will be the driving force on the floor, supporting the House Manager in the efficient operational and day-to-day running of our residential home. You will split your time between delivering outstanding, direct care to our children and young people and managing, motivating, and supervising a dedicated team of Residential Child Care Practitioners.

This is a brilliant opportunity for an experienced practitioner looking to take the next step in their career, build their leadership skills, and work toward their SVQ 4.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise & Support: Manage and monitor the daily work of Residential Child Care Practitioners, ensuring the highest standards of care are consistently met.
• Rota & Shift Management: Maintain staff rotas to ensure sufficient coverage in line with registration requirements.
• Be a Role Model: Act as an exemplary professional role model to both staff and young people, promoting a positive, collaborative team culture.
• Step Up: Take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the service in the absence of the House Manager.

2. Outstanding Care & Advocacy for Young People

• Promote Well-being: Ensure care meets the aims of each young person's Child's Plan, utilising GIRFEC principles and SHANARRI indicators.
• Community Integration: Encourage and support young people to participate in socially valued community activities.
• Education Advocacy: Ensure young people attend educational facilities, supporting the Alternative Curriculum and Curriculum Enrichment initiatives.
• Safeguarding: Safeguard and protect the welfare of our young people at all times.

3. Operations & Compliance

• Assist the House Manager with allocated budgets, administrative tasks, and compliance with company financial policies.
• Ensure the safety of all children, staff, and visitors by proactively managing risks and reporting hazards.
• Participate in the on-call rota and respond to emergency situations outside normal shift hours when necessary.

What We Are Looking For

• Experience: Proven experience in residential child care, with a track record of motivating, supporting, and supervising colleagues.
• Knowledge: An excellent understanding of Health and Social Care Standards, GIRFEC principles, and SHANARRI indicators.
• Qualifications & Professional Development:
  • A willingness to work towards and complete SVQ 4.
  • Commitment to maintaining SSSC registration requirements and participating in monthly CALM refreshers.
• Skills: Exceptional communication, strong report-writing skills (for monthly reports and care plans), and robust crisis-management abilities.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work shifts, undertake on-call duties, and support other services in times of crisis.

What We Offer

• A supportive, collaborative work environment where your voice is heard.
• Clear pathways for professional development, including fully supported training toward your SVQ 4.
• The opportunity to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of young people.