At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in providing therapeutic care to young people in a new residential home.
- Company: Join a pioneering organisation focused on impactful children's care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, sleep-in allowances, and dedicated mental health support.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with a strong focus on staff wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a young person's life while shaping a new home environment.
- Qualifications: Level 4 in Children, Young People and Families or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 27927 - 34133 £ per year.
Location: Oldham, OL3
Salary: £37,024 (inclusive of sleeps)
Contracted Hours: 40 hours per week (2 on, 4 off rota)
Sleep-ins: Typically 11 per month (£52 per sleep)
Service: Ofsted-regulated solo children’s home (Therapeutic – DDP & PACE led)
Qualifications Required: Level 4 Children, Young People and Families Practitioner (Residential Pathway) or Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or Ofsted-recognised equivalent)
Experience Required: Previous experience within an Ofsted-regulated children’s residential home
Salary Breakdown
- Hourly Rate: £14.50
- Base Salary (40 hours): £30,160
- Sleep-in Allowance: £6,864 (11 per month at £52)
- Total Package: £37,024
A Different Kind of Role
Children’s residential care is not an easy environment — and that’s exactly why the impact matters. You’ll be supporting a young person who may have experienced trauma, disruption, and instability. The role demands consistency, resilience, and emotional intelligence. However, it also offers something few roles can — the opportunity to genuinely change the trajectory of a young person’s life. This is a setting where relationships, routine, and trust are central. Progress is often measured in small but meaningful steps — and those moments are what make the role worthwhile.
The Setting
Our client is launching a new solo children’s home in Saddleworth (Oldham, OL3). This is a from-day-one opportunity — ideal for someone who wants to influence how a home is built, not just work within an established one. The home will operate as a therapeutic service, led by:
- DDP (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy) principles
- PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy) approach
The model is solo placement, allowing for:
- Focused, 1:1 relational care
- A calm and structured environment
- Reduced group dynamics and behavioural escalation
- Higher-quality, consistent engagement
The Role
Working as a Senior Residential Support Worker, you will:
- Take lead responsibility on shift, ensuring consistency and structure
- Support the day-to-day running of the home
- Maintain safeguarding and regulatory compliance
- Deliver therapeutic, relationship-led care aligned to DDP & PACE
- Act as a positive role model for less experienced staff
You will work closely with management to ensure the home remains stable, safe, and focused on outcomes for the young person.
Clinical Support for Staff
A key part of this service is the investment in staff wellbeing and reflective practice. You will have access to:
- A dedicated adult psychotherapist
- Fortnightly sessions focused on the staff team
- Space for reflection, emotional processing, and professional development
This is designed to support resilience, reduce burnout, and maintain high-quality care delivery.
What This Role Requires
- A calm, measured approach under pressure
- Strong understanding of safeguarding and Ofsted expectations
- Confidence in leading shifts and guiding others
- Ability to build consistent, trusting relationships with young people
- An interest in, or experience of, therapeutic approaches such as DDP and PACE
Why Consider This Role
- Be part of a new therapeutic home from the outset
- Work within a small, consistent team
- Genuine influence over culture and standards
- Strong focus on therapeutic care and staff wellbeing
- Structured, well-supported environment
Important Information
Sponsorship is not available.
How to Apply
Do not apply for this role if any of the following apply to you:
- You do not hold a Full UK Driving Licence and do not have access to a car
- You only hold a Level 3 in Health & Social Care (not considered equivalent)
- You have only worked in Healthcare, NHS, CQC, or Nursery settings
- You have no experience in an Ofsted-regulated children’s home
- You require sponsorship
If you are looking for a role where you can have a clear, direct impact — and be part of building a home the right way from day one — this may be worth exploring. Apply via the advert or contact for a confidential discussion: job@sgscare.co.uk
Senior Residential Practitioner in Oldham employer: Sgscare
Join a pioneering team at our new therapeutic children's home in Saddleworth, where you will have the unique opportunity to shape the culture and standards from day one. We prioritise staff wellbeing with dedicated clinical support and reflective practice sessions, ensuring a nurturing environment for both our young residents and our team. With a strong focus on meaningful relationships and professional growth, this role offers a rewarding chance to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people who need it most.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Residential Practitioner in Oldham
✨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 Sgscare.
✨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 Sgscare!
✨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 Sgscare, 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 Sgscare 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 Senior Residential Practitioner in Oldham
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 Sgscare:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Sgscare! 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 Sgscare
✨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.
