Therapeutic Children\'s Residential Practitioner

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

We will offer residential placements for up to 28 days where children can receive an assessment of their mental health and therapeutic needs, to inform on‑going placement options with a view to avoiding the use of in‑patient, secure and residential placements.

About the Role

As a 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.

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.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience: Previous experience in residential care, childcare, or working with young people.
• Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare or equivalent.
• Skills: Strong communication, teamwork, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Attributes: Compassionate, resilient, and committed to the well‑being of children and young people.
• Flexibility: The home operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Your working pattern will include a mixture of shifts, including sleep‑ins, to ensure the home is covered at all times. The home will have a waking night staff member to respond to the needs of the young people between 11 pm and 7 am. However, if needed to support the waking night during these hours there is the expectation you will do so.
• Place of work: Your normal place of work will be at Henderson House. However, if the needs of the service require you may on occasion be asked to support young people at a different location.
• DBS: All staff are required to have an Enhanced DBS. Ideally, being on the DBS update service is desirable.

What We Can Offer You

• Salary: The salary band for this role is £32,061 – £36,362. The starting salary is £32,061 with annual progression through the salary bands.
• Pay enhancement will be applicable.
• Excellent local government pension with 16.8% employer contribution.
• Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution).
• Generous holiday 25–31 days, based on role and service.
• Flexible working options (role‑dependent).
• Family‑friendly policies – Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents.
• Training and development, including coaching and mentoring.
• Health and wellbeing support – Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks.
• Veteran‑friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant.
• Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform.
• Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres.
• Sustainable travel benefits – low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans.
• Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer.

For Further Information on Our Benefits Package

Employee benefits (southampton.gov.uk).

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

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

Contact Details for Informal Discussion

For further information and details regarding the position, please contact Chris Edwards at chris.edwards@southampton.gov.uk.

Recruitment Contact Details

Email: recruitment@southampton.gov.uk
Tel: 023 8083 4033

For more information about SCC please visit Southampton City Council. Follow us on social media for regular updates on our featured jobs and latest news.
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