Childcare Practitioner in Devon, Humber
Childrens Services Humber About the role
Make a real difference every day. Build a career that changes lives including your own.
At Progressive Care, we offer more than a job; we offer purpose, progression, and the opportunity to transform young lives. For over 25 years, we have been a leading force in social care, helping children and young people thrive. As we continue through an exciting period of growth and expansion, we are creating more opportunities than ever for our teams to develop and build meaningful careers.
Our growth is about people as much as services. Whether you are starting your career in social care or looking to progress, we will support you every step of the way. We are looking for passionate, resilient individuals who want to make a lasting difference while growing with an organisation that invests in its people.
Why Join Progressive Care?
You will be part of a nationally recognised organisation delivering:
- Children's Residential Care
- Family Assessment Services
- 16+ Supported Living
- Learning Disabilities Support
Everything we do is focused on one goal: helping individuals feel safe, valued, and able to achieve positive futures. Here, you are not just supporting young people; you are shaping outcomes while building a rewarding career.
Your Role as a Childcare Practitioner
You will support children and young people aged 12-17, helping them feel safe, valued, and empowered to reach their potential.
Key Responsibilities
- Support day-to-day care in a safe, nurturing, and homely environment
- Meet each child's physical, emotional, social, and educational needs
- Build trusting relationships to support personal development
- Promote independence through daily living skills
- Work collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team
- Provide positive experiences that build confidence and resilience
- Respond calmly and safely in challenging situations
- Maintain accurate records and complete key work responsibilities
- Contribute to a supportive team environment
Our Ideal Candidate Will Have
- Aged over 21 years old only
- Level 3 Diploma in Children's Residential Childcare (or willingness to work towards)
- Passion for supporting young people, including those with challenging behaviours
- A genuine desire to make a positive difference
- Strong communication skills, empathy, and emotional awareness
- A calm, resilient approach
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Good written and record-keeping skills
- Flexibility to work shifts, including days, waking nights, and sleep-ins
What We Offer
- Competitive Pay & Rewards: Our structured salary framework reflects your experience, qualifications, and progression, ensuring you are fairly rewarded.
- Career Progression Opportunities: As we grow, so do your opportunities. We provide clear pathways to help you develop your skills and progress into senior and leadership roles.
- Training & Qualifications: We invest in your development from day one, including a full induction programme, ongoing role-specific training, and fully funded qualifications through our Nationally Accredited Training Centre.
- Wellbeing Support: We offer a range of benefits to support your physical health, mental wellbeing, and work-life balance.
- Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a collaborative, inclusive culture with strong leadership, regular supervision, and ongoing support to help you succeed.
Ready to Make a Difference? Join Progressive Care and build a career with purpose, helping shape brighter futures for young people. Apply today or speak to our Talent Team to find out more.
Due to the nature of this role, Progressive Care conducts enhanced background checks through the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) for all hired personnel. Please note that sponsorship is not available for this position, and all applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Your tasks
Support and empower young people aged 12-17 in a nurturing environment.
Your profile
Level 3 Diploma in Children's Residential Childcare or willingness to work towards it.
What's also included
Competitive pay, career progression, training, and wellbeing support.
Tech stack & ways of working
Childcare Practitioner in Devon, Humber employer: Childrens Services
Join a supportive and dynamic team in Newcastle Under Lyme, where your passion for children's services will be nurtured through a structured development programme. As a Trainee Registered Manager, you'll benefit from comprehensive training, a collaborative work culture, and clear pathways for career advancement, making this an excellent opportunity for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in a compassionate environment.
View Childrens Services profile
Your perspectives
Make a real difference in young lives while building a rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Childrens Services.
Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Childrens Services!
Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Childrens Services, will notice your enthusiasm!
Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Childrens Services or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work
In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications
Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients
Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Childrens Services
Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Childrens Services! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Childrens Services
Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Locations
- Humber
- Devon
