Residential Childcare Practitioner Full Time

Job content

Why Join Us?
This is more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to change lives. You will help children who are not yet ready for foster care develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in life. Every day brings new challenges and incredible rewards as you watch these children grow and thrive in a supportive and loving environment. We also offer all employees health care benefits, including access to GP appointments.

Solent Child Care provides specialised support for children who have experienced significant trauma. Our goal is to create a warm, stable, fun and nurturing environment that fosters the emotional, social, and academic growth of children. Safeguarding and promoting their well-being is at the heart of everything we do. Solent Child Care operates multiple homes across the South of England, including locations in Wiltshire, Somerset, and the New Forest area. Our homes are situated in both rural and urban settings, providing nurturing environments tailored to each child’s needs.

The Role:
We are seeking compassionate, fun, resilient, and enthusiastic individuals to join our team and serve as positive role models for these children. Your role will involve providing high-quality care, ensuring a structured yet fun environment, and offering consistent emotional and practical support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Providing day-to-day care and emotional support tailored to each child’s individual needs.
• Engaging the children in recreational and educational activities that promote social skills and personal growth.
• Maintaining clear and professional boundaries while creating a warm and nurturing home environment.
• Managing school runs, supporting extra-curricular activities, and facilitating family contact. We have two ‘home cars’ used to transport the children.
• Carrying out normal parental duties, including cooking, cleaning, and maintaining a safe and welcoming home.
• Completing administrative tasks, such as logging daily reports, filling out forms, and conducting weekly health and safety checks around the home.
• Working collaboratively with social workers to provide the best support for the children.
• Managing 24-hour shift patterns, including weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-ins.

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience working with children, particularly those with trauma backgrounds (preferred but not essential).
• A nurturing, patient, and resilient personality with the ability to bring fun and positivity into daily life.
• A strong understanding of safeguarding and a commitment to upholding high standards of care.
• Flexibility to work shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• A relevant childcare or social care qualification (preferred but not essential).
• Strong administrative skills for record-keeping and compliance with reporting procedures.
• A full, clean driving license is essential.
• An Enhanced DBS check and full vetting as part of our safer recruitment process.

Training and Development:
We believe in investing in our team and providing growth opportunities. As part of your role, you will receive relevant training, including:

• Online courses, webinars, and face-to-face training sessions.
• PACE, DDP, and safeguarding training.
• The opportunity to work towards Level 3/4 childcare qualifications.
• Potential progression to Level 5 qualifications

Hours and Salary:

• This role requires 40 hours per week, PLUS two sleep-in shifts. The salary advertised includes two sleep-ins a week.
• Flexibility is required to accommodate shift patterns, including weekends and holidays.
• We also offer part-time roles of 32 hours per week.

* Please note: applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this role.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: £32,390.00-£35,120.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• On-site parking
• Referral programme

Application question(s):

• Are you able to work shifts which include a sleep in, weekends and bank holidays?
• Will you require visa sponsorship now or in the future?

Experience:

• Child Care: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person