Residential Care Practitioner

Locations: Erith, Kent (DA8 3NT) or Abbey Wood, London (SE2 0BP)
Salary: £31,724–£34,944 per annum (£12.71–£14.00 per hour, based on a 48-hour working week)
Hours: Full-time and part-time available
Shifts: Days (8am–8pm) and nights (8pm–8am)
Job Type: Permanent opportunities
Work Location: In person

About the Role

A specialist children’s residential care provider is seeking compassionate and dedicated Residential Care Practitioners to support children and young people within a nurturing, safe and structured home environment.

The successful candidates will promote emotional well-being, personal development and independence while providing consistent, trauma-informed care. They will help young people overcome challenges, build positive relationships and reach their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality residential childcare and day-to-day emotional support.
• Safeguard children and young people, following relevant policies and procedures.
• Support individuals with complex emotional, behavioural and developmental needs.
• Apply trauma-informed, child-centred approaches to care.
• Encourage positive behaviour, confidence, independence and life skills.
• Maintain accurate care records and communicate effectively with families and other professionals.
• Contribute to a stable, positive and supportive residential home.

Requirements

• Must have a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
• Experience in children’s residential care or supporting young people is desirable.
• Understanding of safeguarding, child development, attachment and trauma.
• Patience, empathy, resilience and strong communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm when managing distressed or challenging behaviour.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Willingness to complete safer recruitment and safeguarding checks.

Salary and Benefits

• Competitive salary of £31,724–£34,944 per annum.
• Full-time and part-time opportunities, with a minimum of two 12-hour shifts per week.
• Health and wellbeing programme and employee helpline.
• Free parking and central administrative support.
• Company benefits and performance-related bonuses.
• Ongoing training, professional qualifications and career development.

Career Progression

The role offers opportunities to progress to Senior Residential Care Practitioner, Deputy Manager and Registered Manager positions, alongside potential graduate and management training pathways.

It is well suited to candidates with backgrounds in social care, psychology, social work, nursing, childcare or related professions who are passionate about making a positive difference in young people’s lives.

Important Information

Interested? Please apply with an up-to-date CV. Due to the regulated nature of Children's Residential Care, successful candidates will be required to complete all relevant safer recruitment and pre-employment checks before starting work.

Right to Work: Please only apply if you already have the right to work in the UK for this position. Unfortunately, sponsorship is not available for this vacancy.

Safer Recruitment & Safeguarding: YourRecruit is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Appointments to roles within children's residential services will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, which may include an Enhanced DBS check, verification of employment history, satisfactory references, qualification checks, identity and Right to Work checks, and exploration of any gaps in employment, in line with the requirements of the role and provider.

Know someone suitable? YourRecruit operates a paid referral scheme, so if this role isn't right for you but you know someone who may be interested, please get in touch.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we may not be able to respond individually to every applicant. If you have not heard from us within 7 days, unfortunately you have not been shortlisted for this particular vacancy. We would, however, be pleased to consider you for other suitable opportunities.

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