At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people in a nurturing environment, helping them thrive and develop life skills.
- Company: Join Southampton City Council, dedicated to making a positive impact on children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive training, and a supportive team focused on wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while working with a passionate team in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Experience in residential care and NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare are essential.
- Other info: Applicants must be 21 or over; flexible shifts including evenings and weekends required.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 ÂŁ per year.
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and young people? Southampton City Council is seeking committed and compassionate Senior Residential Practitioners to provide outstanding care and support at our new children’s home.
About the Role: As a Senior 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, whilst supporting the development of junior colleagues.
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.
- Senior Duties: Supporting the smooth running of shifts, overseeing and supporting residential practitioners, and ensuring relevant documentation complies with statutory standards.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience: Previous experience in residential care, childcare, or working with young people is essential.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare (or willingness to work towards this qualification).
- Skills: Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
- Attributes: Compassionate, resilient, and committed to the wellbeing of children and young people.
- Flexibility: Ability to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins.
- DBS: All staff must have an Enhanced DBS; being on the DBS update service is desirable.
We’re looking for great people to join our team! We’re in the final stages of opening new children’s homes in Southampton. While we’re technically hiring Children’s Home Residential Care Workers and Therapeutic Children’s Residential Care Workers (including Senior Residential Care Workers), what we truly seek are individuals who bring positivity, creativity, care, and commitment to working with vulnerable children and young people. Patience, kindness, and compassion are essential.
If this sounds like you, don’t wait—apply now! We can’t wait to meet you!
What We Offer
- A competitive salary and benefits package.
- Comprehensive training and professional development opportunities.
- A supportive team environment focused on wellbeing.
- The opportunity to contribute to the positive development of children and young people in Southampton.
- Pay enhancements may apply.
Southampton City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful candidates will undergo an enhanced DBS check and provide satisfactory references. Join us and help shape brighter futures for children and young people in Southampton!
Contact for informal discussion: Chris Edwards at chris.edwards@southampton.gov.uk
Recruitment contact: Email: recruitment@southampton.gov.uk | Tel: 023 8083 4033
Therapeutic Children\'s Senior Residential Practitioner employer: Southampton City Council
Contact Detail:
Southampton City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Therapeutic Children\'s Senior Residential Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children and young people in residential care. Understanding the challenges they face will help you demonstrate your passion and commitment during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of children's care. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to connect with others who work in similar roles, as this can lead to valuable insights and potential job referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions that may arise during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific scenarios involving crisis intervention or emotional support, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to work as part of a team. Highlight any previous experiences where you collaborated with others to achieve positive outcomes, as teamwork is essential in providing effective care.
We think you need these skills to ace Therapeutic Children\'s Senior Residential Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of a Senior Residential Practitioner. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific duties mentioned.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any previous experience in residential care or working with young people. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in providing emotional support, developing care plans, and crisis intervention.
Showcase Your Skills: Clearly outline your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities in your CV and cover letter. Mention any qualifications, such as NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare, and express your willingness to pursue further training if necessary.
Personal Touch: In your cover letter, convey your passion for making a difference in the lives of children and young people. Share personal anecdotes that reflect your compassion, resilience, and commitment to their wellbeing.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton City Council
✨Show Your Passion
Make sure to express your genuine passion for working with children and young people. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
✨Demonstrate Empathy
During the interview, provide examples of how you've offered emotional support in previous roles. Discuss specific situations where you helped young people process their emotions and how you built trusting relationships.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Since this role involves working closely with a dedicated team, be prepared to discuss your teamwork experience. Share instances where you collaborated with other professionals, such as social workers or educators, to provide holistic care.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions related to crisis intervention and monitoring mental health. Think about how you would respond to various situations, demonstrating your problem-solving abilities and adherence to safeguarding procedures.