Job Title

Senior Residential Childcare PractitionerRead all the information about this opportunity carefully, then use the application button below to send your CV and application.Location: DerbySalary: 37,158.58pa to start, with a rise after successful 6-month probationContract Type: PermanentHours: 56.5 hours per week (inclusive of sleep-ins), 3-week rolling rotaWere working with a forward-thinking, therapeutic childrens home in Derby who are looking for a committed Senior Residential Care Practitioner to join their team. If youve got real experience in residential childcare, know what it means to build trust with young people, and can lead by example in often challenging environments, this could be a brilliant opportunity.The home supports young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD), many of whom have faced significant disruptions in their lives, be it family breakdown, instability in foster placements, or trauma.What youll be doing:As a Senior Practitioner, youll provide nurturing, high-quality care and be a key part of the young persons support network. Youll also have responsibility for leading shifts, supporting other staff, and contributing to the safe, consistent running of the home. Youll take the lead on care plans, risk assessments, and be a reliable point of contact for the young people in your care.Key parts of the role include:Leading shifts and supporting a small, committed staff teamSafeguarding young people and implementing individual risk management plansSupporting daily routines including school runs, appointments, family contact and activitiesOffering consistency and structure while modelling therapeutic parenting approachesBeing a keyworker and taking ownership of care planning and outcomesKeeping detailed, timely records and ensuring compliance with relevant standardsTaking part in regular supervision, completing required training and qualificationsSupporting new staff and contributing to their ongoing developmentProviding hands-on care including cooking, cleaning and day-to-day responsibilitiesResponding calmly and supportively to crisis situations when they ariseAbout you:Youll already have at least two years' experience in a residential childcare setting and will have managed or supported staff during shifts. You're someone who knows the challenges of this work and why consistency, empathy and resilience are non-negotiable. You're naturally calm under pressure, able to maintain boundaries, and understand how your behaviour influences the young people you support.Youre someone who:Holds a Level 3 or 4 diploma in Residential Childcare or Children, Young People and Families PractitionerHas at least 2 years of experience working with children in residential or transferable youth support settingsHas experience managing teams or leading shiftsIs emotionally intelligent, patient and committed to trauma-informed careHas a full, clean UK driving licence (this is essential for the role)Is confident with paperwork, systems and following proceduresShift pattern and working hours:Youll be working on a 3-week rolling rota, averaging 10 shifts per month (including sleep-ins), totalling 244.5 hours per month. Shifts are 08:00 to 23:00 with a sleep-in, then half-hour handover the next morning (08:0008:30). This structure allows for proper rest between shifts and a clear, consistent rhythm in the home.Why this opportunity stands out:A therapeutic, relational approach to careStable team and leadership who prioritise development and consistencyStrong structure, clear expectations, and a calm, supportive cultureAn opportunity to genuinely make a long-term difference in the lives of young peopleIf youre ready to take the next step in your residential childcare career and want to work in a home where young people and the staff who support them are genuinely valued, wed love to hear from you.