Bank Childcare Practitioners – Therapeutic Residential Care in Littlehampton

Make a lasting difference in the lives of children. Amicus is a children’s therapeutic community providing residential care and education for vulnerable and traumatised children aged 4 to 16 (with residential referrals up to age 11). This role is based within our therapeutic children’s homes.

About the Role

As a bank practitioner, you will be offered hours on a rota basis, aligned with the needs of the business and your availability.

• Provide consistent care, nurture, and emotional support to children, including during times of distress.
• Support children who have experienced trauma by creating a safe, stable, and predictable environment.
• Help children build trust through positive, reliable relationships and everyday interactions.
• Encourage emotional regulation, confidence, and a sense of safety.
• Work as part of a reflective, supportive team committed to therapeutic care.

This is a meaningful and rewarding role where you will have the opportunity to make a genuine difference in children’s day-to-day lives.

A Realistic View of the Role

This role is both rewarding and demanding. The children we support may at times express difficult emotions through their behaviour, and progress can be gradual. You will need patience, resilience, and the ability to remain calm and consistent in emotionally challenging situations. You will not be expected to manage this alone; teamwork, training, and reflective practice are central to how we support both our children and our staff.

What You’ll Be Doing Day-to-Day

As a Therapeutic Childcare Practitioner, you’ll be part of everyday life in the home, helping to create a safe, structured, and nurturing environment for our children. This includes:

• Supporting daily therapeutic routines such as getting ready for school, mealtimes, and bedtime.
• Preparing and cooking meals, sometimes involving children to build confidence and life skills.
• Creating a calm and supportive environment during key parts of the day, including mornings and settling children at bedtime.
• Supporting school transitions, including morning routines and transport to and from school.
• Spending time with children through play, activities, and shared experiences such as trips to the park, days out, and home-based activities.
• Supporting “family time” and encouraging positive interactions.
• Helping children manage their emotions and behaviours in a safe, consistent and containing way.
• Working alongside your other team members to provide structure, boundaries, and a sense of security.

At times, the role can be busy and unpredictable, but it is built around creating positive, everyday experiences that help children feel safe, valued, and supported.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for individuals who are:

• Calm, patient, and emotionally resilient.
• Able to remain consistent and supportive in challenging situations.
• Kind, reflective, and committed to making a positive difference.
• Passionate about supporting children’s emotional wellbeing.
• Able to bring strong work and/or life experience that demonstrates responsibility and maturity.
• Ideally a minimum of 1 year's experience supporting younger children preferably in a work setting.

Commitment & Our Community Approach

Working in a therapeutic children’s home is not just a job; it’s about being part of a consistent, caring environment that children can rely on. For the children we support, stability and continuity of relationships are essential. This means commitment to the role, your team, and the children is incredibly important. Being present, reliable, and consistent helps create a sense of safety and trust over time. We aim to create a home that feels as close to a “family home” as possible. This involves shared routines, spending time together, and working collaboratively as a team to provide a warm, supportive environment. You’ll be part of a wider therapeutic community, where teamwork, communication, and reflection are key. Supporting one another as colleagues is just as important as supporting the children in our care.

A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential, as the role involves supporting children with transitions, activities and appointments in the community. No qualifications in Residential Childcare? No problem! We will fully fund and support you to achieve the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare after you complete your 6 month probation period.

Why Join Us?

At Amicus, you’ll be part of a supportive and reflective team where staff are valued as much as the children we care for. We are committed to your development and wellbeing, with opportunities for progression and ongoing training.