Children\'s Home Practitioner x 4 in Plymouth

Do you have the skills and experience to make a difference to the life of a child in care in Plymouth? Plymouth City Council is opening Children’s Homes in Plymouth, small, family-style environments where just 2-3 children will live, usually between 11 and 18 years of age. If you have experience and passion for working with children and young people to improve their life chances, then this could be the perfect opportunity for you. 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.

In the role you will offer commitment and kindness and a willingness to go the extra mile. Being a supportive, reliable and compassionate person in a child’s life could have a huge impact on their experience of being in care, changing their futures for the better. If you’re eager to learn, grow, and make a difference to young lives - we encourage you to apply. You will be part of something special.

• Provide highly personalised, high‑quality care to children and young people in a homely environment.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with children and young people through daily life events such as getting ready for school, cooking meals, assisting with homework and enjoying recreational activities.
• Create a fun, warm and caring home environment and support children in developing their own talents, including sports, creative arts, baking, gardening or other interests.
• Help children achieve their potential and thrive, and offer support to families with parenting in their home to improve outcomes for children.
• Work shifts across the week (including nighttime, early mornings, weekends and bank holidays on a rotational basis) as part of full‑time residential care, adapting to a flexible lifestyle.
• Be present and available to the children in your care, supporting day‑to‑day care and ensuring a nurturing family home environment.

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or be able to achieve this within 2 years of appointment; the organisation will pay for this and support you to complete it. Successful candidates will be enrolled after 6 months in the position.
• Training will be given on all elements of the role; additional learning opportunities will be provided as part of your induction.
• Mandatory two‑year training programme with enrolment required and the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the course.
• Disclosure & Barring Service Check: Enhanced DBS; Children and Adults Barred.

• The role is not eligible for visa sponsorship; applicants must have existing right to work in the UK.
• Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation.
• Guaranteed interviews for those who meet essential criteria and are considered disabled, care‑experienced, or an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.

• We are looking for those with a flexible, open‑minded and adaptable attitude to supporting the well‑being of children and young people.
• This role requires enrolment onto a mandatory two‑year training programme and the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the course.

For more information contact: childrenshomes@plymouth.gov.uk

Closing date: Sunday 8 February