At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide compassionate care and support to children in a residential setting.
- Company: Bradford Children and Families Trust, dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, excellent pension, health support, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or willingness to work towards it.
The predicted salary is between 31022 - 33699 £ per year.
Salary: Grade 8, SCPs 17 – 22, £31,022 – £33,699 per annum, Permanent, 37 hours per week (148 hours over a 4-week period) including weekend work and sleep in duties. The role is based in Low Moor.
Working for the Bradford Children and Families Trust offers the opportunity to work with some great people who are passionate about delivering change in a city whose culture offers as much diversity as its geography. You can make a real difference to families and children and be an active part in delivering the service Bradford families should receive.
The Residential Practitioner will play a vital role in providing high-quality, therapeutic care to children and young people who have experienced adverse life experiences, including trauma, loss, and disrupted attachments. The role requires a compassionate, resilient, and emotionally attuned individual who can support children through periods of emotional dysregulation and help them build trusting relationships in a safe, nurturing environment.
We are fully committed to equal opportunities, and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.
About the Role- Provide day-to-day care and emotional support to children and young people in line with their individual care plans.
- Build and maintain positive, trusting relationships with children, using a trauma-informed and relational approach.
- Respond to behaviour that challenges with empathy and curiosity, recognising it as a form of communication.
- Support children during times of emotional distress using Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) techniques, including physical intervention when necessary and safe.
- Promote co-regulation through play, physical reassurance, and consistent presence.
- Assist with personal care, routines, and daily living tasks, ensuring dignity and respect are upheld.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming home environment, including undertaking domestic tasks such as cooking and cleaning.
- Accurately record and update care plans, risk assessments, health plans, and daily logs using appropriate IT systems.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, external professionals, and families to ensure the child’s voice is central to all planning and decision-making.
- Participate in reflective supervision, team meetings, and ongoing training to enhance practice and emotional resilience.
- Uphold safeguarding responsibilities and respond appropriately to concerns in line with organisational policy.
Our strategic vision and values are upheld across the Trust, fostering a reliable and supportive environment for both staff and the children in our care. Our approach is rooted in restorative and relational practice, fostering trust, mutual respect, and meaningful relationships with children, families, and professionals.
You’ll also:- Have a strong understanding of trauma-informed practice and child development.
- Be able to remain calm, emotionally available, and consistent in high-pressure situations.
- Possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to maintain accurate records.
- Be proficient in using computer systems for documentation and communication.
- Be able to work independently and as part of a team, including lone working during night shifts.
- Demonstrate a commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of care.
- Be physically fit enough to carry out all requirements of the role including the use of Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) to manage challenging behaviour as required.
- Exhibit physical and emotional resilience to meet the demands of the role.
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or willingness to work towards).
- Experience working with children and young people in a residential, educational, or care setting.
- Training in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI).
- Understanding of safeguarding procedures and relevant legislation.
You’ll also be joining an organisation that truly values its people, offering a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and work-life balance, including:
- Generous annual leave - 31 days rising to 34 with service, plus bank holidays.
- Excellent Local Government pension.
- Family-friendly policies and enhanced parental leave.
- Health & wellbeing support, including Occupational Health and counselling.
- Professional development and career progression opportunities.
- We are a National Living Wage employer.
Bradford Children and Families Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment. If shortlisted, you will be required to disclose relevant information regarding criminal history prior to interview. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check including a check against the Children’s barred list, will be carried out on preferred candidates.
To arrange an informal discussion, please contact Laura Bennett – Laura.bennett@bradfordcft.org.uk
Closing Date: 31.05.26
Interviews: 11.06.26
Children's Residential Practitioner employer: Bradford Children and Families Trust
Bradford Children and Families Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development, generous annual leave, and comprehensive health and wellbeing support, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. Located in the culturally rich city of Bradford, this role offers the unique opportunity to engage with diverse communities while contributing to transformative care for vulnerable young people.
Contact Details:
Bradford Children and Families Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Residential Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Bradford Children and Families Trust, their values, and the work they do. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn or attend local events. This can give you insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral, which can boost your chances of landing that job.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to trauma-informed care and emotional support. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to build your confidence and articulate your experiences effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Children's Residential Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for working with children and young people shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Children's Residential Practitioner. Use keywords from the job description, like 'trauma-informed practice' and 'emotional support', to demonstrate that you understand what we're looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and focus on communicating your skills and experiences effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our values and culture.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bradford Children and Families Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand trauma-informed practice and child development. Brush up on the key concepts and be ready to discuss how they apply to your approach in caring for children. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory, but that you can put it into practice.
✨Show Your Compassion
During the interview, share specific examples of how you've supported children through emotional distress in the past. Highlight your ability to build trusting relationships and respond to challenging behaviour with empathy. This is crucial for the role, so let your passion for helping children shine through!
✨Be Prepared for Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you'd handle certain situations, especially those involving emotional dysregulation or challenging behaviour. Think through some scenarios beforehand and consider how you would apply Therapeutic Crisis Intervention techniques. This will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how the organisation supports staff wellbeing. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
