Residential Childcare Practitioner

Job Description

Residential Childcare Practitioner

Lockerbie, Dumfries and Galloway

Salary: From £34,976 to £37,447 OTE plus overtime at time and a half

The Greenleaf Team is looking for compassionate, dedicated professionals to join our therapeutic, trauma informed approach to residential care for young people up to age 21.

Role Overview

You will be part of a unique team that facilitates excellent practice and shapes the development of our Service.

Note: This role involves completing 14 hour shifts followed by a 10 hour sleepover. This is a 2 day on, 3 day off shift pattern.

We look after children and young people from diverse backgrounds who have experienced trauma or adverse life experiences and need specialist therapeutic support in a small residential setting.

To succeed, you will be compassionate, patient, nurturing, and therapeutic in your approach to care.

Greenleaf Benefits

• 29 days holiday entitlement, increasing every two years of service
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with a 24/7 wellbeing line and free counselling
• Company funded qualifications and support from an internal assessor – SVQ 3 and 4 and HNC in social services
• Health Cash Plan covering dental, optical, physiotherapy, and a 24/7 GP helpline
• Greenleaf For You platform offering savings, discounts, offers, and money back vouchers
• Progression pathways and opportunities to develop and progress in your career
• Pension scheme with Nest Pensions
• Complementary meals while on shift
• Casual dress code

The ideal candidate will

• Have previous experience in a residential children’s home
• Possess an SVQ 3 and HNC in social care or equivalent
• Demonstrate excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Understand safeguarding and child protection
• Be able to work shifts, including weekends, sleepovers, and long hours
• Have a full UK manual driving licence and be a confident driver
• Understand the behaviours displayed by children and young people and be skilled in intervention strategies
• Be aware of relevant legislation
• Be trained in or willing to complete training in crisis and physical intervention

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide care and support to children and young people in accordance with policies and procedures and adopt a mindful teamwork approach to therapeutic childcare practice
• Contribute to the assessment process for young people and the delivery of support programmes
• Attend planning and review meetings and participate in a key person system
• Ensure quality recording of information in accordance with policies and regulations
• Work within a shift system, including sleepovers
• Undertake health and safety checks and other safety/security checks as necessary
• Participate in ongoing training and be responsible for own personal development
• Implement de escalation and crisis intervention strategies as necessary and appropriate, in line with mandatory training
• Promote young people’s participation, structure, boundaries, and routine
• Comply with the code of conduct as required by the SSSC
• Be fully aware of safeguarding and child protection issues and confident in the reporting process
• Contribute to the maintenance of a safe, hygienic and clean environment

The nature of residential work is varied and, in many instances, unpredictable. All staff are therefore expected to work flexibly and undertake tasks not specifically listed in this description.

Practitioners are expected to conduct themselves professionally and adhere to Greenleaf Policies and Procedures, completing induction and ongoing training. The Company reserves the right to vary duties and responsibilities at any time.

Requirements

• Experience of working in a residential children’s home or relevant experience
• Eligible for SSSC registration and PVG membership for work with children and adults
• Full manual UK driving licence and eligibility for company vehicle insurance if required
• Ability to work shifts including evenings, sleepovers, and weekends
• Willingness to work towards SVQ 3 and HNC in social care or other relevant subjects
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection

Company car insurance covers drivers aged 21+ with a full UK manual driving licence.

Benefits

Greenleaf offers a comprehensive wellbeing package, including an EAP with a 24/7 wellbeing line and free counselling, a Health Cash Plan covering dental, optical, physiotherapy, and a 24/7 GP helpline, and a Greenleaf For You platform providing access to discounts and savings. You will also have access to development opportunities and company funded qualifications. At Greenleaf, we believe in progression and look after our staff so they can focus on caring for our young people.