Therapeutic Children's Senior Residential Practitioner

Southampton City Council; Southampton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Southampton City Council is seeking Senior Residential Practitioners to provide outstanding care at a new children’s home. The role involves creating a supportive environment for young people, developing care plans, and working collaboratively with mental health professionals. Ideal candidates will possess NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare and have a passion for making a difference in children's lives.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Comprehensive training and professional development opportunities

Supportive team environment focused on wellbeing

Qualifications

• Previous experience in residential care, childcare, or working with young people is essential.
• Compassionate, resilient, and committed to the wellbeing of children and young people.
• Ability to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins.

Responsibilities

• Providing emotional support and developing care plans for young people.
• Monitoring mental health and behaviour, and assisting with daily living tasks.
• Building trusting relationships and promoting social skills and independence.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Problem Solving

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare

Job description

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and young people? Southampton City Council is seeking committed and compassionate Senior Residential Practitioners to provide outstanding care and support at our new children’s home.

About the Role:

As a Senior Residential Practitioner, you’ll play a vital role in creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where children and young people can thrive. You will work as part of a dedicated team to empower young people to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential, whilst supporting the development of junior colleagues.

What You’ll Do

• Providing Emotional Support: Offering a stable, empathetic presence; helping young people express and process their emotions in healthy ways.
• Developing and Maintaining Care Plans: Working with mental health professionals, families, and the young person to create individualised support plans tailored to their needs.
• Monitoring Mental Health and Behaviour: Observing changes in mood, behaviour, and overall mental state, and reporting concerns to the appropriate professionals.
• Assisting with Daily Living: Helping with tasks such as personal hygiene, meals, school or college attendance, and establishing routines—especially when mental health issues make these tasks difficult.
• Building Trusting Relationships: Establishing positive, professional relationships to encourage trust and cooperation, which is crucial for progress.
• Crisis Intervention: Recognising signs of crisis (e.g., self-harm or suicidal ideation) and responding appropriately, often following established safeguarding procedures.
• Liaising with Other Professionals: Working alongside social workers, psychologists, educators, and medical staff to provide holistic care.
• Promoting Social Skills and Independence: Encouraging engagement in social activities and helping young people develop life skills for greater independence.
• Maintaining Records: Keeping detailed, confidential records of interactions, behaviours, and interventions, which can inform ongoing care and support legal or safeguarding processes.
• Providing a Safe Environment: Ensuring the setting is physically and emotionally safe, respecting boundaries, and managing risks effectively.
• Senior Duties: Supporting the smooth running of shifts, overseeing and supporting residential practitioners, and ensuring relevant documentation complies with statutory standards.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience: Previous experience in residential care, childcare, or working with young people is essential.
• Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare (or willingness to work towards this qualification).
• Skills: Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
• Attributes: Compassionate, resilient, and committed to the wellbeing of children and young people.
• Flexibility: Ability to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins.
• DBS: All staff must have an Enhanced DBS; being on the DBS update service is desirable.

We’re looking for great people to join our team!

We’re in the final stages of opening new children’s homes in Southampton. While we’re technically hiring Children’s Home Residential Care Workers and Therapeutic Children’s Residential Care Workers (including Senior Residential Care Workers), what we truly seek are individuals who bring positivity, creativity, care, and commitment to working with vulnerable children and young people. Patience, kindness, and compassion are essential.

If this sounds like you, don’t wait—apply now! We can’t wait to meet you!

Note: Due to Ofsted regulations, all applicants must be 21 years or over.

What We Offer

• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• Comprehensive training and professional development opportunities.
• A supportive team environment focused on wellbeing.
• The opportunity to contribute to the positive development of children and young people in Southampton.
• Pay enhancements may apply.

Southampton City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful candidates will undergo an enhanced DBS check and provide satisfactory references.

Join us and help shape brighter futures for children and young people in Southampton!

Contact for informal discussion: Chris Edwards at [e-mail]

Recruitment contact: Email: [e-mail] | Tel: [phone]

For more about SCC, visit Southampton City Council. Follow us on social media for updates: Facebook, YouTube.