At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide care and support to children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
- Company: Join a leading local council dedicated to high-quality children's care.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, training opportunities, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent required.
The predicted salary is between 27254 - 30024 £ per year.
The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Children's Residential Homes.
Job Reference: SOL/TP/196/2281
Number of Positions: 2
Contract Type: Casual
Band C1, £27,254 - £30,024 pro rata per annum. Pay award pending. Incremental progression is subject to performance. This post carries 1 atypical increment to reflect the requirement to work Sundays.
Working Hours: 0
Location: Children's Residential Homes
Closing Date: 30/06/2026
Job Type: Social Care – Children
Sector: Local Councils Business Unit
About the Role
As a Casual Residential Care Practitioner, you will play a vital role in delivering a safe, nurturing and supportive environment for our children and young people. You will:
- Provide day-to-day care, guidance and emotional support
- Build positive, trusting relationships and act as a role model
- Support young people with education, independence and life skills
- Help manage and respond to complex and challenging behaviours
- Encourage participation in activities, education and community life
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to care planning
This is a dynamic, hands-on role where no two days are the same.
About Us
Our experienced and highly knowledgeable leadership team is committed to delivering high-quality, therapeutic care that is tailored to each child’s needs, using the PACE model. We focus on providing exceptional care while fostering an inclusive, positive environment where children can grow emotionally, personally, and educationally.
Our Offer to You
- High quality training and coaching via our Children’s Social Care Academy
- Clear career pathways
- A great working environment in our modern refurbished homes
- A range of flexible working options
- Attractive staff benefits including staff discounts and access to the Local Government pension scheme.
About You
We will provide a comprehensive induction, however, to meet Ofsted requirements, you must possess a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or an equivalent, such as NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or the Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce). You will also have:
- Experience (paid or voluntary) in a health, social care or educational setting, having also previously dealt with challenging behaviours.
- A strong commitment to helping our children and young people reach their full potential
- An understanding of Safeguarding and its importance
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with our children and young people.
- A passion for learning, self-reflection and professional growth; striving to deliver high-quality care.
As a member of our casual team, you may be required to provide cover across all three homes, to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our children and young people.
Further Information
This post also carries essential car user status, therefore you must be able to drive, have a driving licence and have access to a car, however for disabled applicants, reasonable adjustments will be made where required. Due to government requirements, casual staff are not eligible to complete an apprenticeship and must already possess a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or an equivalent).
Assessment for these opportunities will consist of a two-stage process; Stage one: A pre-screening phone call. Stage two: Candidates who are successful at stage one will be invited to interview.
Please note that we are currently unable to offer visa sponsorship. If you require sponsorship to work in the UK, we regret that we won’t be able to progress your application.
This post is subject to compliance checks in line with Schedule 2 requirements for working in a children’s home, including a DBS and pre-employment medical check. This post is covered by the Fluency Duty, as outlined in the Code of Practice on the English language requirements for public sector workers.
For differing shift patterns, where atypicals don’t apply, alternative Band C rates may apply.
Solihull Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. Solihull Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Casual Residential Care Practitioner - Children & Young People employer: Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the development of its staff. As a Child-Specific Teaching Assistant at Widney Junior School, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a child's life while benefiting from ongoing training and professional growth in a collaborative environment. Located in a vibrant community, this role provides unique advantages such as access to local resources and a strong network of educational professionals dedicated to inclusive education.
Contact Details:
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Residential Care Practitioner - Children & Young People
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research their values and recent achievements, like that 'Good' rating from Ofsted. This will help you tailor your approach and show them you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to social care. This can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions specific to residential care roles. Think about scenarios where you've dealt with challenging behaviours or built strong relationships – these are gold when it comes to impressing the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Casual Residential Care Practitioner - Children & Young People
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We want to see how you can bring your unique background to the role of Casual Residential Care Practitioner.
Show Your Passion:Let us know why you're passionate about working with children and young people. Share any personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Casual Residential Care Practitioner. Familiarise yourself with the PACE model and how it applies to providing care for children with Emotional and Behavioural difficulties. This will show your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in health, social care, or educational settings. Think of specific examples where you've dealt with challenging behaviours and how you managed them. This will help demonstrate your ability to build positive relationships with young people.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the training opportunities available or how the team supports each other in challenging situations. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and the organisation's approach to care.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Make sure to highlight your understanding of safeguarding and its importance in a children's residential setting. Share any relevant experiences or training you've had, as this is crucial for the role and will reassure the interviewers of your dedication to the welfare of the children.