Job Description

Location:

Merstham, Surrey

Contract:

Full-time, Permanent

Salary:

32,500-36,300 per annum (inclusive of 60 per night sleep-in payments)

Empower Young Lives - One Moment, One Breakthrough, One Future

Are you a dedicated childcare professional ready to take the next step in your career? If you're passionate about therapeutic care and want a senior role where your leadership makes a real difference, this is your opportunity to help shape futures and inspire meaningful change.

Join us as a

Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner

at our Ofsted-registered therapeutic home on the edge of the Surrey Hills. In this role, you'll guide a committed, child-focused team, lead with empathy, and provide consistent, nurturing care for young people aged 10-18 who need it most.

About the Home

Set in a calm, spacious location surrounded by nature, our home provides care for up to four young people who are unable to live with their families. The environment is designed for stability, emotional safety, and recovery, with every detail aimed at supporting trust and growth.

Therapy animals--including our much-loved resident rabbits--are part of our unique, holistic approach. Guided by a strong, trauma-informed leadership team, we make decisions based on one principle: what is best for the child.

Your Role

As a Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner, you'll take the lead on shift--supporting both your colleagues and the young people in your care. You'll set the tone for a safe, therapeutic atmosphere, guide junior team members, and be a calm, reliable presence during both challenges and milestones.

This is a hands-on role requiring emotional resilience, confidence, and a deep understanding of trauma-informed practice. You'll help young people rebuild trust, develop coping skills, and start believing in their future.

Key responsibilities include:

Delivering consistent, high-quality care tailored to individual needs Leading shifts and maintaining an emotionally safe, structured environment Contributing to care planning, risk assessments, and behaviour support strategies Supporting therapeutic and recreational activities that build resilience Maintaining accurate and timely records in line with regulations Mentoring junior staff and encouraging reflective team practice Actively engaging in training and professional development
What You'll Bring

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)

- essential Significant experience in residential childcare, ideally in a senior or shift-leading role Strong safeguarding knowledge and understanding of trauma-informed approaches Calm, confident leadership with excellent communication and problem-solving skills A grounded, empathetic approach and emotional resilience Full UK driving licence - essential Availability for 24.5-hour shifts (10:00am-11:00pm, sleep-in, then 7:00am-10:30am), including 2-3 sleep-ins per week
What We Offer

Salary of 32,500-36,300 (inclusive of sleep-in payments) Long day/sleep-in shift model to support work-life balance Clear, supportive career progression opportunities Full induction plus ongoing training and development Specialist therapeutic training in trauma-informed care A collaborative, welcoming team culture that values your contribution Pension scheme and additional staff benefits A meaningful role where your work has lasting impact
Be Part of Something That Matters

This is more than a job--it's a chance to help create a therapeutic environment where young people feel safe, understood, and supported. If you're ready to lead with care, grow your career, and make a difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now

with your CV and a short cover letter telling us why this role inspires you.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 32,500.00-36,300.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension On-site parking Referral programme
Experience:

Residential Childcare: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

UK Driving Licence (required) NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: SNR RCCP