Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and young people? Southampton City Council is seeking committed and compassionate Senior Residential Practitioners to provide outstanding care and support at our new children’s home.

About the Role:

As a Senior Residential Practitioner, you’ll play a vital role in creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where children and young people can thrive. You will work as part of a dedicated team to empower young people to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential, whilst supporting the development of junior colleagues. 

What You’ll Do

We offer residential placements for up to 28 days where children can receive an assessment of their mental health/therapeutic needs, to inform on-going placement options with a view to avoiding the use of in-patient, secure and residential placements.

About the Role

As a Senior Residential Practitioner, you’ll play a vital role in creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where children and young people can thrive. You will work as part of a dedicated team to empower young people to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. 

What You’ll Do

• Providing Emotional Support: Offering a stable, empathetic presence; helping young people express and process their emotions in healthy ways

• Developing and Maintaining Care Plans: Working with mental health professionals, families, and the young person to create individualised support plans tailored to their needs.

• Monitoring Mental Health and Behaviour: Observing changes in mood, behaviour, and overall mental state, and reporting concerns to the appropriate professionals.

• Assisting with Daily Living: Helping with tasks such as personal hygiene, meals, school or college attendance, and establishing routines—especially when mental health issues make these tasks difficult.

• Building Trusting Relationships: Establishing positive, professional relationships to encourage trust and cooperation, which is crucial for progress.

• Crisis Intervention: Recognising signs of crisis (e.g., self-harm or suicidal ideation) and responding appropriately, often following established safeguarding procedures.

• Liaising with Other Professionals: Working alongside social workers, psychologists, educators, and medical staff to provide holistic care.

• Promoting Social Skills and Independence: Encouraging engagement in social activities and helping young people develop life skills for greater independence.

• Maintaining Records: Keeping detailed, confidential records of interactions, behaviours, and interventions, which can inform ongoing care and support legal or safeguarding processes.

• Providing a Safe Environment: Ensuring the setting is physically and emotionally safe, respecting boundaries, and managing risks effectively.

•  Senior Duties :  Ensure the smooth running of shift, supporting residential practitioners in their role, oversee and ensure any relevant documentation complies with the statutory standards. 

What We’re Looking For

• Experience: Previous experience in residential care, childcare, or working with young people is essential.
• Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare (or a willingness to work towards this qualification).
• Skills: Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
• Attributes: Compassionate, resilient, and committed to the wellbeing of children and young people.
• Flexibility: Ability to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins.
• DBS: All staff are required to have an Enhanced DBS. Ideally, being on the DBS update service is desirable.

We’re looking for great people to join our team!

We’re in the final stages of opening new children’s homes in Southampton. Technically, we’re looking for Children’s Home Residential Care Workers and Therapeutic Children’s Residential Care Workers (including Senior Residential Care Workers) to join our team, but what we really want is people who bring positivity, creativity, care and commitment to working with vulnerable children and young people. They need patience, kindness and compassion, someone who cares.

So, if you’re still reading this and sounds like you, what are you waiting for?

We can’t wait to meet you!

Due to Ofsted regulations and guidance, all applicants must be 21 years of age or over.

What We Offer

• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• Comprehensive training and professional development opportunities.
• Supportive team environment with a focus on wellbeing.
• The chance to contribute to the positive development of children and young people in Southampton.
• Pay enhancement will be applicable.

Southampton City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and provide satisfactory references.

Join us and help shape brighter futures for children and young people in Southampton!

Contact details for informal discussion:

For further information and details regarding the position, please contact Chris Edwards at chris.edwards@southampton.gov.uk

Recruitment contact details:

Email: recruitment@southampton.gov.uk  
Tel: 023 8083 4033

For more information about SCC please visit Southampton City Council
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