Children’s Residential Care Practitioner – Northampton

Dimensionscare; Northampton (MA); On-site; GBP 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking compassionate Care Practitioners for a new Crisis and Assessment Centre. This role offers a unique opportunity to support young people through short-term placements, using the DDP model to address trauma and complex behaviors. With a focus on building relationships and providing stability, you'll work within a multidisciplinary team to create a nurturing environment. Enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive training, and numerous perks while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children who need it most. If you're ready to make a difference, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive induction training

Ongoing professional development

Regular supervision and leadership support

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Sickness bonus schemes

Casual dress

Free meals

Company events

Free parking

Qualifications

• Minimum 1-2 years of experience in residential childcare preferred.
• Understanding of DDP, PACE, or therapeutic models is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Safeguard and promote the wellbeing of children at all times.
• Lead and manage shifts, ensuring safety and task delegation.
• Promote consistent routines and structured boundaries.

Skills

Empathy

Resilience

Reflective Practice

Crisis Management

Relationship Building

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Tools

BERRI

Job description

Children’s Residential Care Practitioner – Northampton

• Northampton

About the Role

Dimensions Care is opening a new Crisis and Assessment Centre and we’re looking for committed and compassionate Care Practitioners to join our team. This is a unique opportunity to support young people through short-term, stabilising placements that assess their needs and prepare them for longer-term care. The role includes sleep-in shifts on a rota of 2 days on, 4 days off, offering balance and consistency for both staff and children.

You’ll be working closely with a multidisciplinary team, using the DDP (Dyadic Developmental Practice) model to support children who have experienced trauma, complex behaviours, or instability in previous placements.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for people who are:

• Caring, nurturing, and emotionally available
• Empathetic and understanding of trauma and individual needs
• Reflective in their practice and able to support others to do the same
• Resilient and able to manage behaviours that stem from trauma
• Reliable, determined, and committed to making a real difference
• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)
• Full UK Driving Licence
• Minimum 1–2 years of experience working in residential childcare (preferred)
• Understanding or experience of DDP, PACE, or therapeutic models (preferred)

About the Haven – Crisis and Assessment Home

Our new service, The Haven, is designed to offer short-term therapeutic placements. Young people are referred to us for reasons such as:

• Placement breakdowns due to high-risk behaviours or unsuitable environments
• First entry into care where long-term planning is required
• The need for intensive staffing and support to stabilise behaviours
• Therapeutic needs assessment
• Transition from secure settings into residential living
• Educational challenges requiring 1:1 tuition assessments

Due to the unique nature of this home, we require practitioners who can:

• Respond confidently to crisis situations without extended transition periods
• Build relationships quickly and adapt to a variety of needs and personalities
• Demonstrate strong recording and reporting skills, including care plans, risk assessments, and tools such as BERRI
• Work collaboratively with DDP consultants, psychologists, and external professionals
• Safeguard effectively and manage risk-taking behaviours

How We Assess

The assessment process for each child is informed by:

• Weekly staff reports and overviews
• Input from DDP consultants and child psychologists
• Bi-weekly BERRI reports
• Multi-agency meetings and care plan reviews
• Risk impact analysis and future care planning
• Education and therapeutic needs

Main Responsibilities

• Safeguard and promote the wellbeing of children at all times
• Ensure ongoing assessment of each child’s needs in daily practice
• Promote consistent routines and structured boundaries
• Lead and manage shifts, including activities, safety checks, and task delegation
• Uphold company policies and Children’s Homes Regulations
• Assist with internal quality assurance and external regulatory visits

What We Offer

• 2-week comprehensive induction with all necessary training
• Ongoing professional development, including training in the DDP model
• Regular supervision and leadership support
• Competitive salary of £32,273 – £34,057 per year
• Access to pension scheme, life assurance, and sickness bonus schemes
• Perks including casual dress, free meals, and company events

Additional Benefits

• Free parking
• Opportunities for progression into leadership

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join a team that’s committed to improving lives and offering every child a chance to grow, thrive, and feel safe.

Join a team where your work truly matters – providing care, support, and stability to young people who need it most. Build a career that makes a real difference.