Senior Residential Care Practitioner in Stafford

Are you an experienced children's residential care professional looking to take the next step in your career?

We are recruiting for a Senior Residential Care Practitioner to join a children's residential home supporting children and young people with Learning Disabilities (LD), Autism and additional complex needs .

About the Role

As a Senior Residential Care Practitioner, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality, person-centred care while providing leadership and guidance to the wider residential team.

You will support children and young people with their daily routines, emotional wellbeing, communication, education and development, while promoting independence and positive outcomes. Alongside your direct care responsibilities, you will lead shifts, support junior team members and help ensure the home operates safely and effectively in line with safeguarding requirements, care plans and organisational policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead shifts and provide guidance, support and direction to Residential Care Practitioners.

• Provide high-quality, person-centred care to children and young people with Learning Disabilities, Autism and complex needs.

• Promote a safe, nurturing and structured home environment.

• Support young people with personal care, daily routines, education, activities and community engagement.

• Encourage independence, choice, communication and the development of everyday life skills.

• Build positive and trusting relationships with children and young people.

• Implement and regularly contribute to individual care plans, risk assessments and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plans.

• Respond appropriately to behaviours that may challenge, using de-escalation and approved intervention techniques.

• Act as a positive role model and support staff to maintain consistent standards of care.

• Support the induction, mentoring and development of new and existing team members.

• Maintain high safeguarding standards and ensure concerns are identified, recorded and escalated appropriately.

• Complete and oversee accurate daily records, incident reports, handovers and other care documentation.

• Support medication administration in accordance with training, policies and procedures.

• Liaise effectively with families, social workers, schools, healthcare professionals and other external agencies.

• Support admissions, placement transitions and reviews.

• Participate in team meetings, supervision, training and reflective practice.

• Deputise for senior management where appropriate and support the effective day-to-day running of the home.

• Work flexible shifts, including weekends, bank holidays and sleep-ins where required.

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience working within children's residential care or a relevant children's social care setting.

• Experience supporting children or young people with Learning Disabilities, Autism and/or complex needs .

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or an equivalent relevant qualification.

• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection.

• Ability to lead shifts and provide effective support and guidance to colleagues.

• Experience contributing to care plans, risk assessments and behaviour support plans.

• Confident managing challenging situations and using appropriate de-escalation techniques.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to maintain accurate and professional care records.

• Ability to work flexibly, including weekends and sleep-ins.

• Full UK mannual driving licence.

Desirable

• Previous experience in a Senior Residential Support Worker, Senior Care Practitioner or Shift Leader position.

• Experience working specifically within a children's Learning Disabilities home.

• Knowledge and experience of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) .

• Experience with medication administration.

• Experience mentoring, supervising or inducting staff.

• Understanding of Ofsted regulations and the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 .

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with additional payments for sleep-ins.

• Comprehensive induction and specialist training.

• Regular supervision, reflective practice and wellbeing support.

• Ongoing professional development and leadership training.

• Supportive management and a positive team environment.

• Clear progression opportunities towards Deputy Manager and Registered Manager positions.

Apply Today

If you are an experienced residential care professional who is passionate about supporting children and young people with learning disabilities while helping to lead and develop a dedicated care team, we would love to hear from you.

Join a service committed to providing exceptional, individualised care and helping every young person achieve greater independence, confidence and positive outcomes.

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