Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner

Sittingbourne, Kent

Senior Support Worker - Permanent

Job Description

Reports to: Registered Manager / Deputy Manager
Line Manager: Deputy Manager
Qualifications: NVQ Children’s Residential Level 3 or NVQ Children, Young People & Family Practitioner Level 4
Experience: Minimum 1 year as a Residential Care Practitioner

Job Purpose

Working as part of a team for a specialist provider of care to children and young people in residential settings. The client’s philosophy is to support young individuals from all backgrounds and provide a safe, stable home environment. The aim is to help children and young people develop life skills, enjoy and achieve, and become the best versions of themselves.

The children and young people you support may experience social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties due to past life experiences.

As a Senior Residential Care Practitioner (SRCP), you will be line managed by the Deputy Manager and Registered Manager. You are responsible for supporting young people to achieve the best outcomes, leading shifts, delegating duties, taking accountability for your team, and completing additional responsibilities assigned by management.

This includes maintaining a professional persona, working in a homely, non-judgmental environment, and adhering to the client’s policies and procedures. Team members must safeguard children and respect confidentiality and data protection.

Rota and Hours of Work

Shifts follow a 1-on, 2-off model including sleeps, with flexibility required.

• Attendance: Essential for service delivery. Training and meetings are mandatory, and lateness must be reported in advance.

• Flexibility: Must meet night, weekend, and bank holiday obligations.

• On-Call: May occasionally be required to participate.

Professional Persona

• Appearance & Role Model: Dress appropriately, maintain professional language and body language, and set a good example for both young people and RCPs.

• Communication: Clear, open, and adaptable with young people, colleagues, and stakeholders. Maintain professional standards representing the client.

• Time Management: Prioritise work, meet deadlines, and delegate effectively.

• Conduct: Maintain professional behaviour both in and outside of work.

• Whistleblowing: Report concerns in line with the client’s policies.

Role Responsibilities

• Shift Leading & Team Development: Lead shifts, plan duties, delegate tasks, and support RCP development.

• Domestic: Maintain a clean, safe home environment, including cooking, cleaning, shopping, laundry, and reporting repairs.

• Relationship Building & Advocacy: Build and maintain professional relationships, ensure young people’s views influence their care plans.

• Equality & Diversity: Work in a non-oppressive manner, adhering to equality principles.

• Behaviour Management: Use positive strategies, set boundaries, and intervene physically if required. Record all incidents.

• Transportation: Safely transport young people following risk assessments and policies.

• Health & Education: Implement health plans, support medication, healthy lifestyles, self-care, and education. Educate young people on life skills.

• Liaison & Key Working: Work with families, stakeholders, and maintain care plans. Advocate for assigned young people.

• Activities: Plan and supervise activities and holidays, ensuring risk assessments are completed.

• Observation & Administration: Observe, record, and report relevant information. Complete daily reports, care plans, and health & safety checks.

• Finance: Manage petty cash, allowances, and support budgeting.

• Placement & Risk Plans: Understand and contribute to care plans and risk assessments, recognising contextual safeguarding risks.

Personal Development

• Induction & Probation: Complete the client’s induction and probation within six months.

• Qualifications & Training: Complete NVQs within the set timescale and pursue further development. Participate in mandatory and in-house training.

• Supervision: Engage in appraisal and supervision processes.

• Knowledge: Maintain awareness of Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, Quality Care Standards, and safeguarding legislation.

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