Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner

We are looking for a Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner to join Positive Footsteps Group Limited. We welcome qualified and experienced childcare workers. We require candidates that believe they have the attributes to offer children who have experienced trauma and abuse, a safe, consistent and non-judgemental, caring approach. We are looking for someone who displays attitudes and behaviours in line with our company values.
A children’s home can be a complex and challenging environment, so we need determined, resilient people to offer unconditional care and commitment to our children. Joining Positive Footsteps Group is gives a candidate the opportunity to join a small and nurturing company.
Our aim is to create a safe, nurturing environment, enabling children and young people to recover from past trauma and grow to achieve their full potential. Join us in creating more than just a house—help us create a place where children feel safe, loved, valued and truly at home.

Knowledge & Experience
We are looking for someone who has:
A minimum of 2 years' experience working within a residential childcare or similar care environment (Essential).
Experience supporting children and young people with social, emotional and behavioural needs, together with an understanding of trauma-informed and relationship-based practice.
An NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, Children and Young People's Workforce, or an equivalent recognised qualification (Essential).
Experience of leading shifts or supporting the day-to-day operation of a residential children's home.
A sound understanding of the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, the Quality Standards, safeguarding legislation and residential childcare best practice.
Good IT skills and confidence using electronic recording systems.
A full UK driving licence, with the confidence to safely transport young people (Essential).

Skills & Abilities
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:
A genuine passion for supporting children and young people who have experienced trauma, adversity and complex life experiences.
The ability to build trusting, nurturing and authentic relationships that help children feel safe, valued and loved, while always promoting their welfare and safeguarding.
The confidence and capability to lead shifts, coordinate the team and support the safe and effective day-to-day running of the home.
The ability to coach, encourage and positively influence colleagues through effective role modelling and reflective practice.
The ability to remain calm, compassionate and emotionally regulated during challenging or high-pressure situations.
Empathy, emotional intelligence and the ability to actively listen, ensuring children's voices, wishes and feelings are respected, heard and acted upon.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with children, families, colleagues and external professionals.
The confidence to use initiative, make sound decisions and work independently whilst appropriately assessing and managing risk.
Personal resilience, with the ability to reflect, learn and remain child-focused when faced with challenges.
The ability to maintain accurate, timely and professional records in line with organisational policies and regulatory requirements.
The ability to build and maintain positive professional relationships with families, Local Authorities, education providers, health professionals and partner agencies.
The flexibility and commitment to work a rota that includes day shifts, evenings, weekends, bank holidays and sleep-ins.

Personal Qualities & Values
We are looking for someone who:
Demonstrates high personal and professional standards, with a commitment to providing outstanding care and continually striving for excellence.
Is a positive role model, demonstrating kindness, patience, integrity and professional curiosity in everyday practice.
Is nurturing, approachable and emotionally available, recognising that strong relationships are at the heart of positive outcomes for children.
Is ambitious for children and committed to helping every young person achieve their goals, aspirations and full potential.
Demonstrates resilience, adaptability and professionalism, even when working in challenging and emotionally demanding situations.
Enjoys creating positive childhood experiences and is willing to organise and participate in activities, holidays and community opportunities—our children tell us they value adults who can laugh, have fun and make lasting memories with them.
Is committed to continuous professional development, reflective practice and supporting the development of others within the team.
Has the physical capability to undertake the day-to-day duties of a residential childcare role, including actively participating in activities with children, responding appropriately to incidents and maintaining a safe environment.