Therapeutic Youth Care Practitioner — Stable Homes Team

Reading Borough Council; Reading; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Life assurance (LGPS members)

Blue Light Card and discounts

Season ticket loan & lease car scheme

25 days annual leave + Bank holidays (

rising to 33 + Bank holidays days with

Fully funded Level 3 qualification (if

continual professional development and

Job summary

Reading Borough Council is creating three new children’s homes to provide safe, nurturing and therapeutic care for 11–17 year-olds. This is an on-site, permanent role with early May 2026 start dates and a salary of £30,391 to £36,852 per year.

You will build trusting relationships, deliver trauma-informed care and support independence, education and emotional growth while working shifts, including nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children in care or education setting is desirable.
• Willing to learn and complete the Level 3 Diploma.
• Commitment to safeguarding and building stable homes.

Responsibilities

• Build strong, trusting relationships that help children feel safe and valued.
• Provide trauma-informed, nurturing and consistent care.
• Keywork children, supporting independence, routines and emotional growth.
• Encourage education, activities and hobbies.
• Keep care plans, risk assessments and daily records up to date.
• Work collaboratively with families, social workers, schools and health professionals.
• Support children through change, big emotions and important life moments.
• Work on a rota including sleep-ins, evenings and weekends.

Skills

Kind, reliable and child-focused

Calm under pressure

Able to work flexibly with a team

Shifts incl. weekends and nights

Education

Level 3 Diploma (Childcare) or equivalent

Job description

Reading Borough Council is creating three new children’s homes to provide safe, nurturing and therapeutic care for 11–17 year-olds. This is an on-site, permanent role with early May 2026 start dates and a salary of £30,391 to £36,852 per year.

You will build trusting relationships, deliver trauma-informed care and support independence, education and emotional growth while working shifts, including nights and weekends.