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- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people in their daily lives and personal growth.
- Company: Leeds City Council is a major employer dedicated to community welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, training opportunities, and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Diploma in Residential Child Care or commitment to achieve it.
- Other info: Open to diverse applicants; must be 22+ years old.
The predicted salary is between 27711 - 30060 £ per year.
Salary: C1 £28,598 to £31,022 (pro rata) plus weekend enhancements and sleep in allowance where appropriate
Contract: Permanent
Location: Leeds (city wide)
Leeds City Council is seeking compassionate and dedicated Residential Practitioners to join our outstanding children’s services. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of vulnerable children and young people, guiding them towards adulthood and independence. Your support will be instrumental in helping them overcome significant challenges and achieve their full potential.
There are a range of exciting opportunities available across the city:
- We’re recruiting part time (18.5hrs) and waking nights (17.5hrs) colleagues to support in homes for young people with complex needs.
- We’re also recruiting for full time colleagues (37hrs) in our mainstream homes as we continually develop our residential estate.
Please indicate on your application which post/service you are interested in. Shifts vary to meet service needs, and all posts include alternative weekends. Posts can include sleep-ins. Additional payments apply for sleep-ins, waking night hours and weekend work.
We want Leeds to be a city where all children are safe, happy and healthy, do well at school, fulfil their potential and grow up to be active citizens with voice and influence. This is your chance to join us and support our Child Friendly Leeds ambition.
About you
As a Residential Practitioner you will bring to the role:
- a good standard of literacy and numeracy, with basic computer literacy
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Child Care (or equivalent), or commitment to achieving the qualification within a reasonable period (we pay the course fees)
- recent experience supporting children or young people with additional emotional/behavioural issues – this may be from employment, volunteering, student placements or personal life
- excellent communication and listening skills, teamwork and emotional intelligence
- flexibility to work shifts including weekends, bank holidays and nights
About the role
Based in one of our children’s homes, you’ll be part of a supportive team at that prioritises your well-being and personal development. Your responsibilities will include:
- Creating a safe, caring living environment.
- Building positive, trusting relationships with children and young people.
- Nurturing each child’s personal development, education and wider learning.
This role offers immense job satisfaction as you witness the positive changes you facilitate in the lives of disadvantaged children and young people daily. You’ll also be making a positive impact to your community by working for a local authority.
Enhancements are paid for unsocial hours and sleeping in duties. Time and a half is paid for weekend working (if applicable).
What we offer
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
- a competitive salary plus enhancements for nights and weekends
- generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holiday allowance
- a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities, including support to study for relevant qualifications
- membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
- a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
We are proud to align our work with the council’s values and ambitions, placing children and families at the heart of everything we do. We’re looking for passionate individuals who are ready to embark on their childcare vocation.
If you’re ready to bring your empathy, passion, and emotional resilience to this vital role, we’d love to hear from you.
How to apply
Please complete the online application form on the Leeds City Council jobs site.
Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please email workinginchildrenshomes@leeds.gov.uk.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s or Adults’ barred list as applicable will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy.
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.
If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you\’ll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.
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Residential Practitioner employer: Leeds City Council
Contact Detail:
Leeds City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the therapeutic model of support used at Adel Beck. Understanding this approach will help you demonstrate your alignment with their values during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have working with vulnerable young people, especially those with emotional or behavioural issues. Be ready to share specific examples that showcase your ability to connect and inspire change.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your flexibility in working shifts, including weekends and bank holidays. This role requires adaptability, so showing your willingness to meet these demands can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with Leeds City Council's values and mission. Research their initiatives, like Child Friendly Leeds, and be prepared to express how your personal values align with their goals during your conversations.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Residential Practitioner role. Focus on your communication skills, resilience, and any experience working with young people, especially those with emotional or behavioural issues.
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: In your personal statement, clearly express your passion for supporting young people and how your background makes you a suitable candidate. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to inspire change and connect with vulnerable children.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention your Level 3 Diploma in Residential Child Care or your commitment to achieving it. If you have any additional qualifications or training related to child care or support, be sure to include those as well.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and personal statement for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leeds City Council
✨Show Your Passion for Supporting Young People
Make sure to express your genuine passion for helping young people improve their life chances. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to making a positive impact in their lives.
✨Demonstrate Resilience and Positivity
During the interview, showcase your resilience and positive attitude. Discuss situations where you faced challenges and how you overcame them, particularly in environments involving vulnerable individuals.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully communicated with young people, families, and colleagues in the past. Use examples that demonstrate your listening skills and ability to build trust.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle challenging behaviours and support young people. Think through potential situations you might face and how you would respond, focusing on a restorative approach.
