Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner

Greenleaf House; Thornhill; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking compassionate individuals to join their team as Senior Practitioners. This role focuses on providing specialized therapeutic support to vulnerable young people in a nurturing environment. You will lead a dedicated team, ensuring high standards of care and support while fostering a positive, hopeful future for those in your care. With opportunities for career progression through the Aspiring Leaders programme, this position promises both professional growth and the chance to make a significant impact in the lives of young individuals. If you are committed to excellence and want to be part of a supportive team, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

29 days holiday entitlement

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Health Cash Plan

Career development opportunities

Pension scheme

Complimentary meals during shifts

Casual dress code

Qualifications

• Experience in a residential children's home with supervisory roles.
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection policies.

Responsibilities

• Provide care and support in a therapeutic childcare setting.
• Mentor and supervise care practitioners to maintain high standards.

Skills

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Leadership Skills

Crisis Intervention

Understanding of Child Protection

Education

SVQ 3 in Social Care

HNC in Social Care

Job description

Thornhill, Dumfries and Galloway

From £35,635 to £39,804 OTE plus overtime

The Greenleaf Team

We’re looking for compassionate individuals to join our team who share our beliefs. We believe in a holistic approach: that even the smallest detail can make a significant difference to a vulnerable young person. We want team members who are dedicated, caring, and believe that our young people deserve the best support we can provide.

We specialize in solo placements for young people in care up to age 21, adopting a therapeutic, trauma-informed approach. Our core values are Integrity, Compassion, Excellence, Collaboration, and Respect.

If your ambition is to create a hopeful and positive future for our young people, we would love to hear from you.

Visit our website for more info: greenleafhouse.co.uk

Role Overview

You will be part of a dedicated team working together to ensure excellent practice and service development. As a Senior Practitioner, you will lead your team towards excellence.

Note: This role involves completing 14-hour shifts followed by a 10-hour sleepover.

Our vision is for every young person in our care to experience safety, happiness, and a nurturing environment, with a future filled with hope. You will contribute by maintaining high standards of care and support.

We care for children and young people from diverse backgrounds who have experienced trauma or adverse experiences, requiring specialized therapeutic support in a small residential setting. We offer solo placements with a dedicated core care team providing consistent, trauma-informed, therapeutic care.

To succeed, you should be compassionate, patient, nurturing, and therapeutic in your approach, committed to continuous improvement and professional development for yourself and your team.

You will prioritize high-need cases, participate in safeguarding, and deliver outcome-focused interventions. A team-based, mindful approach that places the child at the center of care is essential, along with effective partnership working with all stakeholders.

Our Aspiring Leaders programme offers further training and opportunities for career progression within Greenleaf, providing a pathway to management roles.

Greenleaf Benefits

If selected, you will enjoy a competitive salary, above sector average, and a comprehensive benefits package including:

• 29 days holiday entitlement
• Additional leave with length of service, starting at 2 years
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with 24/7 wellbeing line and free counselling
• Health Cash Plan covering dental, optical, physiotherapy, and a 24/7 GP helpline
• Greenleaf For You discounts platform
• Career development through the Aspiring Leaders Programme
• Pension scheme with Nest Pensions
• Complimentary meals during shifts
• Casual dress code

The Ideal Candidate Will

• Have experience working in a residential children’s home, including supervisory roles
• Hold an SVQ 3 and HNC in social care or equivalent
• Demonstrate excellent communication, teamwork, and leadership skills
• Understand safeguarding and child protection
• Be flexible to work shifts, including weekends and sleepovers
• Possess a full UK manual driving licence and be a confident driver
• Understand children’s behaviors and intervention strategies
• Be familiar with relevant legislation
• Be trained in crisis and physical intervention

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide care and support in line with policies, participating in a team approach to therapeutic childcare
• Mentor and supervise care practitioners
• Ensure team skills and knowledge are maintained and improved
• Support on-call arrangements
• Assist with management tasks like finance, staffing, recruitment, and training
• Maintain and improve care standards
• Stay updated with new theories and share knowledge
• Prepare professional reports within deadlines
• Contribute to assessments and support plans for young people
• Participate in a key person system and ensure accurate record-keeping
• Work within a shift system, including night duties
• Conduct safety and security checks
• Engage in ongoing training and development
• Implement de-escalation and physical intervention strategies as trained
• Encourage young people's participation in daily activities
• Adhere to the code of conduct and safeguarding policies
• Complete statutory reviews and training requirements
• Maintain a safe, hygienic, and welcoming environment

The nature of residential work is unpredictable; flexibility is required. Senior practitioners are expected to act professionally and adhere to all policies and procedures, completing necessary training and induction.

The company reserves the right to amend duties as needed.

Minimum Requirements

• Experience in a residential children’s home, including supervisory experience
• SVQ 3 and HNC in social care or relevant field
• Eligible for SSSC registration and PVG membership
• Full UK manual driving licence and eligibility for company car insurance
• Ability to work flexible shifts, including evenings, sleepovers, and weekends
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Understanding safeguarding and child protection

Benefits

Greenleaf offers a wellbeing package including EAP, health cash plan, and discounts via the Greenleaf For You platform. We also prioritize staff development and career progression, supporting our team to provide the best care for young people.