Senior Residential Practitioner

CIH International Housing Group; Oldham; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

CIH International Housing Group seeks a Senior Residential Support Worker for a new solo children’s home in Saddleworth, Oldham (OL3). You will lead shifts, support daily operations, and uphold safeguarding within a therapeutic, trauma-informed setting.

Experience in Ofsted-regulated residential care is essential; the role requires resilience, compassion, and the ability to build trusted relationships to support a young person’s outcomes.

Qualifications

• Qualifications Required: Level 4 Child, Young People and Families Practitioner (Residential Pathway) or Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or Ofsted-recognised equivalent).
• Experience in an Ofsted-regulated children's residential home.

Responsibilities

• Take lead responsibility on shift, ensuring consistency and structure.
• Support the day-to-day running of the home.
• Maintain safeguarding and regulatory compliance.
• Deliver therapeutic, relationship-led care aligned to DDP & PACE.
• Act as a positive role model for less experienced staff.

Skills

Safeguarding awareness

Shift leadership

Relationship-based care

Therapeutic approaches

Education

Level 4 Children, Young People and Families Practitioner (Residential Pathway)

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Job description

Senior Residential Support Worker

Location: Oldham, OL3

Salary: £37,024 - £40,144 (inclusive of sleeps)

Contracted Hours: 40 hours per week (2 on, 4 off rota)

Sleep-ins: Typically 11 per month (£52 per sleep)

Service: Ofsted-regulated solo children's home (Therapeutic - DDP & PACE led)

Qualifications Required: Level 4 Children, Young People and Families Practitioner (Residential Pathway) or Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or Ofsted-recognised equivalent)

Experience Required: Previous experience within an Ofsted-regulated children's residential home

Salary Breakdown

• Hourly Rate: £14.50 - £16.00
• Base Salary (40 hours): £30,160 - £33,280
• Sleep-in Allowance: £6,864 (11 per month at £52)
• Total Package: £37,024 - £40,144

A Different Kind of Role

Children's residential care is not an easy environment - and that's exactly why the impact matters.

You'll be supporting a young person who may have experienced trauma, disruption, and instability. The role demands consistency, resilience, and emotional intelligence. However, it also offers something few roles can - the opportunity to genuinely change the trajectory of a young person's life.

This is a setting where relationships, routine, and trust are central. Progress is often measured in small but meaningful steps - and those moments are what make the role worthwhile.

The Setting

Our client is launching a new solo children's home in Saddleworth (Oldham, OL3).

This is a from-day-one opportunity - ideal for someone who wants to influence how a home is built, not just work within an established one.

The home will operate as a therapeutic service, led by:

• DDP (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy) principles
• PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy) approach

The model is solo placement, allowing for:

• Focused, 1:1 relational care
• A calm and structured environment
• Reduced group dynamics and behavioural escalation
• Higher-quality, consistent engagement

The Role

Working as a Senior Residential Support Worker, you will:

• Take lead responsibility on shift, ensuring consistency and structure
• Support the day-to-day running of the home
• Maintain safeguarding and regulatory compliance
• Deliver therapeutic, relationship-led care aligned to DDP & PACE
• Act as a positive role model for less experienced staff

You will work closely with management to ensure the home remains stable, safe, and focused on outcomes for the young person.

Clinical Support for Staff

A key part of this service is the investment in staff wellbeing and reflective practice.

You will have access to:

• A dedicated adult psychotherapist
• Fortnightly sessions focused on the staff team
• Space for reflection, emotional processing, and professional development

This is designed to support resilience, reduce burnout, and maintain high-quality care delivery.

What This Role Requires

• A calm, measured approach under pressure
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and Ofsted expectations
• Confidence in leading shifts and guiding others
• Ability to build consistent, trusting relationships with young people
• An interest in, or experience of, therapeutic approaches such as DDP and PACE

Why Consider This Role

• Be part of a new therapeutic home from the outset
• Work within a small, consistent team
• Genuine influence over culture and standards
• Strong focus on therapeutic care and staff wellbeing
• Structured, well-supported environment

Important Information

Sponsorship is not available.

Do not apply for this role if any of the following apply to you:

• You do not hold a Full UK Driving Licence and do not have access to a car
• You only hold a Level 3 in Health & Social Care (not considered equivalent)
• You have only worked in Healthcare, NHS, CQC, or Nursery settings
• You have no experience in an Ofsted-regulated children's home
• You require sponsorship