Job Description

Residential Childcare Practitioner - Level 1/2 | 8897 | Permanent Contract | 37 hours per week | Level 1 26,403 to 28,142 / Level 2 31,537 to 33,699 per annum | Grade E/G | Norfolk

Young people are at the heart of our practice at Norfolk County Council. They have established key principles for their ideal worker to help them flourish. Please ensure you read these requirements carefully and apply only if you can fully commit to them.

To apply, please download an

application form

and attach it to your online application instead of your CV. Previous applicants need not reapply.



Norfolk Residential Children's Homes provide emergency and time limited, specialist care for young people (male and female) aged between 8 - 17 years, when either family, foster care, mainstream residential or other community-based placements are not possible or desirable at the time.



Staff at the home will be expected to contribute to an assessment of the child's needs with the objective of either reunification, a move to a family or community-based placement, or a longer term or a more specialised residential home.



You will be joining a highly motivated and enthusiastic team who endeavour to make significant changes in young people's lives. Our teams work across the whole week (including weekends and bank holidays)







Ideally you will have a background in residential care or be experienced in working with children. You will be required to have good levels of literacy and numeracy.



To work within this environment, you will need to be committed to making a difference in the lives of young people. You will need to be reliable, have good personal relationship and communication skills as well as high professional standards.



Please see job descriptions for differences in the level 1 and level 2 posts:



and Person Specification - Residential Childcare Practitioner - Level 1



and Person Specification - Residential Childcare Practitioner - Level 2



Following a thorough induction and training programme, your duties will include:


Supporting and providing meaningful day to day activities for the young people. Developing personal and practical skills to enhance young people's independence skills. Reporting and recording key aspects of care and developing your professional skills. Managing complex behaviours that can be challenging. Work in collaboration, and also directly with families and other professional, to ensure best outcomes for children and young people. Hold or be willing to work towards the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Child Care (paid for).

In return we will offer you:


A supportive team who cares about your wellbeing and professional development. A generous annual leave entitlement, plus the opportunity to purchase up to two weeks additional leave through our salary sacrifice scheme. Maternity, paternity and adoption pay and time off to support you as your family grows. Access to services that support your health and wellbeing, such as confidential counselling and advice, fast track physiotherapy and NHS Health Checks for employees over 40. NCC pension scheme. Cycle to work scheme.

To apply, please download an

application form

and attach it to your online application instead of your CV. Previous applicants need not reapply.



For an informal discussion please contact: Adam King, Assistant Team Manager - 01263-862939



Before you apply, we recommend reading the full and Person Specification to help you demonstrate you meet the criteria. You can also find information on our Terms and Conditions here.



Already a Norfolk County Council employee? See and apply for internal and external vacancies in myOracle using your @norfolk.gov.uk or @nccal.ac.uk email.

We would like to make you aware that priority consideration for this post may be given to current employees who are at risk due to restructure within the organisation or are in a redeployment position.

Redeployment closing date: 22 September 2025 at 23:59

All other applicants closing date: 29 September 2025 at 23:59

We have miles of beautiful coastline and our unique Broads, thriving market towns and a city with a proud cultural heritage. Our economy is growing and driven by innovation in a number of sectors, including energy and food. We also have ambitious plans for new housing and a building programme for schools across Norfolk. Our county a great place to live, work and visit, and is an excellent environment for businesses to start, grow and innovate.


We are the main local authority for Norfolk providing services countywide to more than 850,000 Norfolk residents. We take the lead in critical policy areas, working with 84 elected Members responsible for the strategic local government services in the county.




We provide a high quality service through involving people who use our services to shape and comment on them and by promoting efficiency and innovation.




We work in partnership with local businesses, voluntary organisations and other local authorities such as District and Parish Councils to provide the people of Norfolk with excellent services.