Job Description

Job Introduction

Residential Care Practitioner - Children & Young People


27,694 - 30,518 pro rata, per annum. This includes 2 atypicals payments for the requirement to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays for staff working on a rota basis.


This role also includes sleep ins, for which a separate payment will be made (currently 41.78).


Hours: Full time - 37 hours per week


Whilst this vacancy is full time, requests for working on a part-time basis may also be considered, where business needs can be met. We are also able to offer casual hours.


About Us:


We are embarking on a new and exciting journey, opening new Residential Children's Homes across Solihull for children aged 7 to 17 and we are looking for Senior Residential Care Practitioners to join us.


Whether you are an experienced Care Practitioner, or you are looking for a change in career, we would love to hear from you.


Our senior management team have extensive knowledge and experience in working in Children's Residential services, as well as working with vulnerable children, young people and their families.


We believe that every child and young person deserves a safe, nurturing environment that enables them to reach their aspirations, goals and outcomes. Our service is embedding the PACE model for therapeutic input and the care provided to our children and young people is person-centred and individual to their needs.


We are focused on delivering the best possible care for our children and young people, whilst providing an inclusive and positive environment that provides the opportunity to grow, develop and achieve personally, emotionally and educationally.


About the Role


We will provide a comprehensive induction and training in the run up to the opening of the home, and where required, a funded Level 4 Residential Childcare qualification.


This highly rewarding role will see you relish the opportunity to make a real difference to children, young people and their families in Solihull. By providing a safe, stable, supportive and stimulating environment, you will help to create a strong foundation for a brighter future.


In this dynamic role, no two days will be the same. One day might see you complete the school run and a food shop, followed by a movie night. The next might be an action-packed day out or contributing towards a care plan and attending a meeting with other professionals. And while some days may have their challenges, every day should include hugs, laughter, reassurance, sharing, and learning.


You will build positive and meaningful relationships with our children and young people, acting as a role model to enable them to address challenges and build resilience. And you won't think twice about going above and beyond, to enable our children and young people to achieve their full potential on their journey to adulthood.


Our Offer to You

A funded Level 4 qualification in Residential Care, where required (please see further information below regarding eligibility criteria for completing an apprenticeship). Competitive pay High quality training and coaching via our Children's Social Care Academy to support your continuous professional development A clear career pathway Access to our Local government pension 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days after 5 years of service, and the opportunity to buy up to 10 days of additional leave per year We want the best for our children, and we recognise to prioritise our children's care we must also prioritise the wellbeing of those caring for them, so we offer shift patterns to allow our staff to maintain a good work life balance. Our Employee Assistance Programme - a 24 hour independent, free and confidential advice and support service Family and carer friendly policies Many other employee benefits including staff discounts, subsidised travel passes and Cycle 2 Work Scheme

About You


You will have experience (paid or voluntary) of working in a health, social care or educational setting, having also previously dealt with challenging behaviours. You will be committed to making a difference to the vulnerable children and young people that reside within the service.


It is also essential that you understand Safeguarding, and the importance of keeping vulnerable children and young people safe and have a commitment to supporting vulnerable people to achieve their full potential, whilst working towards care plans and risk assessments.


You will hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent, OR you will have GCSE Maths and English grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) and will be willing to work towards and successfully complete a Level 4 Diploma in Residential Childcare within 2 (full time) years of your appointment, as funded by us.


Casual Applicants: To meet Ofsted requirements and Apprenticeship Guidelines, anyone applying for a casual role in our children's residential home must have a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or an equivalent qualification, such as NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or the Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce).

Displaying great self-awareness and excellent communication skills, you will also have the ability to build strong relationships with our children and young people. You will have a passion for learning, self-reflection, and growth within this role; striving to deliver a high-quality service and demonstrating a continued commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of our children and young people.


This post also carries essential car user status, therefore you must be able to drive, have a driving licence and have access to a car, however for disabled applicants, reasonable adjustments will be made where required.


Whilst you will be based at one of our three children's residential homes, on occasions you will be required to provide cover across all three homes, to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our children and young people.


Contact Us:


To apply, please click on the link. Your application should be in your own words and reflect your own personal experiences.


Or to find out more about the many benefits of working for Solihull, please click here.


If you have a specific question regarding these opportunities, please contact:


Cam Bradley-King, Residential Operations Manager at cameron.bradley-king@solihull.gov.uk or Alan Austin at alan.austin@solihull.gov.uk


Closing date: 26 October 2025.


Closing date for the receipt of redeployee applications: 7 October 2025.


Interviews will be held during weeks commencing 3 and 10 November 2025.


Further Information


Assessment for these opportunities will consist of a two stage process:
Stage one: A pre-screening phone call
Stage two: Candidates who are successful at stage one will be invited to interview.
Please note, we are not accepting CVs for this opportunity.


This post is subject to compliance checks in line with Schedule 2 requirements for working in a children's home, including a pre-employment medical check.


This post will also be subject to require a DBS check.


For candidates who will be required to complete an apprenticeship (Level 4 Diploma in Residential Childcare, as outlined in the person specification), in order to comply with apprenticeship government funding rules and entry requirements, candidates must meet all the following criteria:

Possess a GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English and Maths (or equivalent) Have been resident in the UK for at least 3 years; Have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the apprenticeship (2 years for full time employees, this will be longer for part time employees); Be contracted to work at least 16 hours per week (casual employees are therefore not eligible for an apprenticeship).

This post is covered by the Fluency Duty, as outlined in the Code of Practice on the English language requirements for public sector workers.


For alternative working patterns, where atypicals do not apply, salary Band C will apply: 26,824 - 29,540 pro rata, per annum.


Solihull Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.


Solihull Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.