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- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people in a nurturing environment through compassionate care and teamwork.
- Company: Join Greenleaf, a leader in therapeutic residential care for young people aged up to 21.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days holiday, health cash plan, and a casual dress code.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while developing your career in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in residential care and relevant qualifications like SVQ 3 or HNC in social care required.
- Other info: Flexible shifts include sleepovers; ongoing training and personal development opportunities available.
The predicted salary is between 26318 - 28000 £ per year.
Residential Childcare Practitioner – Greenleaf House, Hawick, Scottish Borders
Role Overview
You will be part of a unique team that facilitates excellent practice and shapes the development of our service. The position involves 14‑hour shifts followed by a 10‑hour sleepover in a small residential setting. You will provide continuous care to children and young people aged up to 21 who have experienced trauma or adverse life events, offering a therapeutic, trauma‑informed, and compassionate environment.
Our vision is for every young person who lives with us to experience a safe, happy, and nurturing present and a future that is filled with hope and optimism.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide care and support to children and young people in accordance with policies and procedures.
- Contribute to the assessment process and support delivery of programmes.
- Attend planning and review meetings and participate in a key‑person system.
- Ensure quality recording of information and maintain a safe, hygienic environment.
- Work within a shift system, including sleepovers and long hours.
- Undertake health‑and‑safety checks and other required checks.
- Participate in ongoing training and take responsibility for personal development.
- Implement de‑escalation and crisis intervention strategies in line with mandatory training.
- Promote young people’s participation, structure, boundaries and routine.
- Protect the safety of children, staff and the public, and agree with safeguarding and child protection procedures.
- Adhere to the code of conduct required by the SSSC.
Ideal Candidate
- Previous experience working in a residential children’s home.
- SVQ 3 and HNC in social care or equivalent; or willingness to obtain them.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Understanding of safeguarding, child protection and relevant legislation.
- Ability to work shifts, including weekends, sleepovers and long hours.
- Full UK manual driving licence and confident driver; eligible for car insurance.
- Knowledge of intervention strategies and crisis physical intervention.
- Strong therapeutic, compassionate, patient and nurturing approach.
Benefits
- Competitive salary above sector average.
- 29 days holiday entitlement plus additional annual leave starting at 2 years’ service.
- Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 wellbeing line and free counselling.
- Health Cash Plan covering dental, optical, physio and a 24/7 GP helpline.
- Greenleaf For You platform offering savings, discounts and money‑back vouchers.
- Aspiring Leaders Programme for career development.
- Pension scheme with Nest Pensions.
- Complementary meals while on shift.
- Casual dress code.
Requirements
- Experience in a residential children’s home and qualification in this field.
- SSSC registration and PVG membership for work with children and adults.
- Full UK manual driving licence and eligibility for company car insurance.
- Ability to work shifts including evenings, sleepovers and weekends.
- Willingness to acquire or work towards SVQ 3/HNC in social care or other relevant subject.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
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Residential Childcare Practitioner employer: Greenleaf House
Contact Detail:
Greenleaf House Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Childcare Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Greenleaf's values of Integrity, Compassion, Excellence, Collaboration, and Respect. During any interactions or interviews, demonstrate how your personal values align with theirs, as this will show that you are a good cultural fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in working with vulnerable young people, especially in a residential setting. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've provided support and care, as this will illustrate your capability and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your understanding of trauma-informed care and the importance of a therapeutic approach. You might want to discuss any relevant training or experiences that have equipped you with the skills to handle challenging behaviours effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your flexibility regarding shift work, including sleepovers and weekends. This role requires a commitment to varied hours, so demonstrating your willingness to adapt will be crucial in making a positive impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Childcare Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description. Understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Residential Childcare Practitioner, as this will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience working in residential childcare or similar environments. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in providing care and support to young people.
Showcase Your Values: Greenleaf values integrity, compassion, excellence, collaboration, and respect. Make sure to reflect these values in your application by sharing personal anecdotes or experiences that align with their mission and approach to care.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Address how your qualifications, such as SVQ 3 and HNC in social care, meet the job requirements. Mention your willingness to undergo further training if necessary.
How to prepare for a job interview at Greenleaf House
✨Understand the Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Greenleaf's core values: Integrity, Compassion, Excellence, Collaboration, and Respect. Be prepared to discuss how these values resonate with your own beliefs and experiences in childcare.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your previous experience working in a residential children's home. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've provided care and support to young people, particularly those who have experienced trauma or adverse life experiences.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. During the interview, showcase your ability to communicate clearly and empathetically. You might be asked to role-play scenarios, so practice articulating your thoughts and responses in a calm and supportive manner.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Prepare for scenario-based questions where you may need to demonstrate your understanding of crisis intervention strategies and how you would apply them in real-life situations.
