Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable children in a residential setting, promoting their well-being and independence.
- Company: Join Gloucestershire County Council, dedicated to improving children's services and making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy enhanced pay for unsociable hours, sleep-in allowance, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey, helping children thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare or commitment to achieve it within two years; driving licence required.
- Other info: Flexible hours available, with ongoing training and support from mental health clinicians.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 31000 £ per year.
Residential Practitioner- Children\’s Home – Permanent
This is a Gloucestershire County Council job.
Make a Real Difference – Join Us as a Residential Practitioner
Are you driven by purpose? Do you believe every child deserves safety, love, and the chance to thrive? If you\’re passionate about transforming lives and want to be part of something truly meaningful, we\’d love to hear from you. We\’re looking for compassionate, resilient, and dedicated individuals to join our growing team across our newly opened children\’s homes. This is more than a job — it\’s an opportunity to be a stabilising, trusted adult in a child\’s life, every single day.
In accordance with Schedule 9, Part 1, of the Equality Act 2010, this role has a Genuine Occupational Requirement for the postholder to be aged 21 years or above. This is an essential and proportionate requirement to ensure the effective and appropriate delivery of the service due to the nature of the duties of the role and the ages and complex needs of the children and young people in our care.
About Us
Right child, right support, right time, every time.
Following our June 2025 Ofsted inspection, our Children\’s Services were rated \’Good\’ with \’Outstanding\’ elements . We are proud to be opening new, purpose-led children\’s homes designed around trauma‑informed care, clinical support, and excellent staff development.
What makes us different?
- As a Local Authority children\’s home , we are driven by care, not profit. Our focus is firmly on doing what is right for children. That means every decision, every resource, and every member of staff is dedicated to creating safety, stability and long‑term opportunities for the children who live with us.
- Being part of a Local Authority service also means our homes are fully connected to Gloucestershire\’s wider support network, giving children seamless access to education, health, therapeutic input, and community resources. It also means you\’ll work alongside professionals who share the same values, the same purpose, and the same commitment to children\’s futures.
- On‑site therapeutic support clinicians guiding trauma‑informed practice
- Advanced Practitioner‑led training and reflective support
- a culture of listening, learning, and valuing staff voice
Our homes
Each home has a clear purpose:
- Short‑term home for younger children transitioning to foster care or returning home
- Long‑term home for older children preparing for independence
- Step‑down home supporting older children moving from residential care to fostering or home
About You
We are looking for people who are:
- passionate about helping children flourish
- empathetic, patient, and resilient
- able to build strong, trusting relationships
- good communicators and collaborative team players
- flexible to work shifts, evenings, weekends, and sleep‑ins
- committed to reflection and professional development
Experience is welcomed but not essential — full training is provided.
Requirements
- level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England) or an equivalent qualification, or a commitment to achieving the Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare within two years of commencing employment at the home if you do not already have this qualification
- full driving licence and wiliness to drive in the job
- Enhanced DBS (Adults & Children)
About the Role
As a Residential Practitioner, you will:
- deliver high‑quality, personalised care
- use trauma‑informed approaches to support emotional healing
- encourage independence, life skills, and positive routines
- work closely with a multidisciplinary team
- support children in education, recreation and personal growth
- respond to challenges with confidence and curiosity
- ensure the home meets safeguarding and regulatory standards
Typical shift pattern:
Rotas operates over 7 days a week (Monday–Sunday). Staff typically work 2 to 3 long shifts per week, each totalling 16 hours.
Example Long Shift Structure
Day 1: 10:00am – 11:00pm (shift)+ sleep in (11:00pm – 7:00am), Day 2 – 7:00am – 10:30am (shift continues).
Day 3 Off
Why Join Us?
Choosing this role means choosing to make a real and lasting difference. Here\’s what you can expect:
You\’ll change lives and see it happen. You\’ll witness powerful moments of growth: a child smiling again, trusting again, or feeling safe enough to be themselves. These are the moments that stay with you.
You\’ll be part of a team that lifts each other up. You won\’t face challenges alone. Our teams support one another, reflect together, and celebrate progress, big and small.
You\’ll receive training that builds confidence and skill. With trauma‑informed training, clinical guidance and continuous development, you\’ll grow into a confident, thoughtful practitioner who makes a meaningful impact.
You\’ll work in homes built to feel safe and welcoming. Our homes are shaped with young people, warm, homely, and filled with opportunities for connection, fun, and healing.
Your work will have purpose every day. Every meal shared, every conversation, every walk, every moment of support builds trust, safety and hope. You\’ll go home knowing your presence mattered.
How to apply
If you would like to find out more about our Children\’s Service please take a look here: Children\’s Social Care Careers | Gloucestershire County Counci l
For additional information about this role please reach out to
* Any hours worked between 20.00 – 06.00, weekends and
Residential Practitioner- Children\'s Home, Permanent employer: Gloucestershire County Council
Contact Detail:
Gloucestershire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Practitioner- Children\'s Home, Permanent
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the principles of trauma-informed care, as this is a key focus for the role. Understanding how to support children who have experienced trauma will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to their well-being.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of children's services. Attend local workshops or seminars related to child welfare and residential care. This can provide you with valuable insights and connections that may enhance your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific scenarios where you've demonstrated resilience and empathy in challenging situations. Real-life examples will showcase your ability to handle the demands of the role effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Gloucestershire County Council's recent improvements and initiatives in children's services. Being knowledgeable about their progress and goals will show your genuine interest in being part of their transformative journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Practitioner- Children\'s Home, Permanent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Personal Statement: Make sure your personal statement specifically addresses the requirements and responsibilities outlined in the job description. Highlight your passion for supporting children and young people, and provide examples of how you've demonstrated resilience, empathy, and teamwork in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, especially if you have a Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare or are committed to obtaining it. If you have experience in a residential or care setting, be sure to mention this as well, even if it's not essential.
Provide Strong References: Include at least two referees who can vouch for your suitability to work with vulnerable children. One should be from your current or last employer, and the other from a previous employer or educational institution. Make sure to inform them about your application so they are prepared to respond.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application to ensure there are no errors or missing information. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial in a role that involves caring for children.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gloucestershire County Council
✨Show Your Passion
Make sure to express your genuine passion for working with children and young people. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to support vulnerable children, as this role requires a deep commitment to their well-being.
✨Understand Trauma-Informed Care
Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed care principles. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these principles in practice, as the role involves supporting children who may have experienced trauma.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. Provide examples of past experiences where you successfully worked with others to achieve a common goal, especially in a care setting.
✨Prepare for Behaviour Management Scenarios
Anticipate questions about managing challenging behaviours. Think of specific strategies or techniques you would use to support children during difficult times, showcasing your calmness and professionalism.
