At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide personalised care and support to children in a family-style home environment.
- Company: Plymouth City Council, committed to equality and inclusion.
- Benefits: Full training, career progression, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with no two days the same, perfect for dynamic individuals.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or willingness to achieve it.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Plymouth City Council is opening Children’s Homes in small, family‑style environments where 2–3 children (typically aged 11–18) will live. We are looking for dynamic individuals to be our Children’s Homes Practitioners, part of the residential care team providing highly personalised, high‑quality care to children and young people in a homely environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide highly personalised, high‑quality care to children and young people (aged 11–18) in small, family‑style homes.
- Support daily routines, education, mealtimes, recreational activities and overall well‑being.
- Build positive, trusting relationships with children and support those on the edge of care.
- Work flexible shift patterns including night, early‑morning, weekends and bank holidays on a rotational basis.
- Assist with parent education and families’ parenting where suitable.
- Participate in continuous professional development, including a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
Qualifications & Experience
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or able to achieve within 2 years of appointment).
- Experience working with children and young people, especially in residential settings.
- Strong commitment, kindness, reliability and compassion.
- Right to work in the UK for the full duration of the training programme – no visa sponsorship.
Working Hours
Full‑time (40 hrs/week) with rotational nights, early mornings, weekends and bank holidays. No two days are the same – morning & nighttime routines, educational support, mealtimes, games and activities.
Training & Development
Full induction and training will be provided. We support participants to enrol in and complete a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare within two years. Successful completion opens career progression opportunities.
Equality & Inclusion
Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered regardless of age, experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation. Guarantee of interview for those meeting essential criteria and considered disabled, care‑experienced or an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.
Background Check
The Disclosure & Barring Service Check requirement for this post is: Enhanced DBS Children and Adults Barred.
Children's Home Practitioner in Plymouth employer: Plymouth City Council
Plymouth City Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront of our mission to enhance community growth and development. Employees benefit from a strong commitment to professional development, a supportive culture that values diverse perspectives, and the chance to make a tangible impact on the city's future through strategic initiatives. Located in the vibrant city of Plymouth, staff enjoy a unique blend of urban and coastal living, fostering both personal and professional fulfilment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Home Practitioner in Plymouth
✨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 Plymouth City Council.
✨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 Plymouth City Council!
✨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 Plymouth City Council, 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 Plymouth City Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Children's Home Practitioner in Plymouth
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 Plymouth City Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Plymouth City Council! 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 Plymouth City Council
✨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.
