At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide care and support to children and young people in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, dedicated to high-quality therapeutic care.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, training opportunities, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with clear career pathways and a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent, plus experience with challenging behaviours.
The predicted salary is between 27254 - 30024 £ per year.
£27,254 - £30,024 pro rata, per annum. Pay award pending. This includes 1 atypical payment for the requirement to work Sundays. This role also includes Sleep ins, for which a separate payment will be made (currently £43.12).
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.
- An extensive well‑being offer.
- Attractive staff benefits including staff discounts and access to the Local Government pension scheme.
About You
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 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 children and young people.
- A passion for learning, self‑reflection and professional growth; striving to deliver high‑quality care.
Additional Requirements
As a member of the 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. This post also requires that you are a car user: you must be able to drive, have a driving licence and have access to a car. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants.
Legal & Compliance
Solihull Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer. 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. Fluency Duty applies.
Closing Date 30 June 2026.
Casual Residential Care Practitioner - Children & Young People employer: WMJobs
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for children and young people. With a strong focus on professional development through our Children's Social Care Academy, we offer clear career pathways, flexible working options, and a modern working environment that prioritises well-being. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying attractive staff benefits and a commitment to inclusivity and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Residential Care Practitioner - Children & Young People
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like WMJobs, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at WMJobs. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through WMJobs's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Casual Residential Care Practitioner - Children & Young People
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at WMJobs. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at WMJobs.
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with WMJobs.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Casual Residential Care Practitioner - Children & Young People at WMJobs.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show WMJobs that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Casual Residential Care Practitioner - Children & Young People role.
