Job Description

About Us - Our Mission, Vision & Values

At Excel & Emerge Care, our vision is to empower every voice, nurture authentic connections, and create spaces where every person matters. Rooted in our values of Voice, Connection, Growth, and Inclusion, we are committed to delivering trauma-informed, therapeutic care where children and staff feel safe, seen, and supported. These values shape our culture, our practice, and our commitment to each other.

Principle Purpose of the Role

As a Residential Children's Practitioner, you will provide day-to-day therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, loss, or disruption in their lives. Working within the Roots to Wings model, you will create an environment that fosters emotional safety, personal growth, and independence. You will deliver consistent, relational, and developmentally informed support, enabling each child to thrive socially, emotionally, and practically. Your role will be to promote a sense of belonging, stability, and aspiration, empowering children to believe in their own abilities and supporting them to reach their full potential.

Key Outcomes

In this role, success will be demonstrated by:

The development of safe, trusting, and nurturing relationships with children, enabling them to feel secure and valued. Positive progress in each child's emotional regulation, self-esteem, and independence. Effective implementation of therapeutic care plans, ensuring individual needs are met and goals are achieved. Active contribution to a cohesive, trauma-informed team culture where children's welfare and aspirations are prioritised. Consistent safeguarding practices and compliance with all regulatory, organisational, and professional standards.

Key Responsibilities

Therapeutic Care and Support

You will build emotionally attuned and trusting relationships with children, responding to their behaviours with empathy, curiosity, and an understanding of the impact of trauma. Using co-regulation strategies and emotionally aware communication, you will promote a sense of safety and calm. You will support the development of emotional literacy, resilience, and self-identity through structured routines, therapeutic activities, and meaningful daily interactions. Care will be tailored to reflect each child's developmental stage, cultural background, personal history, and individual needs, ensuring their voice and preferences are heard and valued.

Planning and Documentation

You will contribute to the creation, implementation, and regular review of individual care and therapeutic plans, working closely with clinical, education, and social work professionals. Accurate and reflective records will be maintained in line with the Roots to Wings documentation processes, including daily logs, incident reports, and therapeutic observations. You will actively participate in multidisciplinary meetings, care reviews, and children's planning panels, sharing insight that supports effective decision-making for the child's best interests.

Keywork and Relational Practice

As a keyworker, you will deliver consistent relational support that guides children through the Roots (safety), Branches (growth), and Wings (independence) stages of the therapeutic model. You will use structured tools, reflective conversations, and creative activities to build trust and encourage self-expression. Your keywork will include goal setting, life skills development, and collaborative problem-solving, ensuring children feel supported and empowered in their personal journeys.

Collaboration and Team Practice

You will work in close partnership with colleagues, embedding therapeutic language, routines, and strategies into all aspects of daily care. Regular clinical consultations will be accessed to enhance practice, share learning, and safeguard staff wellbeing. You will support a culture of openness, reflection, and continuous improvement, contributing to team discussions and helping to resolve challenges collaboratively.

Wellbeing and Safety

You will promote and safeguard the welfare of all children, ensuring that the home is safe, nurturing, and compliant with all safeguarding legislation and organisational policies. Challenging behaviour will be managed using emotionally informed, non-punitive approaches in line with training and agreed behaviour support plans. You will be responsible for administering medication, delivering first aid, and ensuring that health needs are met. You will also support children to attend healthcare appointments, navigate transitions, and manage significant life events with sensitivity and care.

Deputising / Leadership Responsibility

This role does not carry formal deputising responsibilities. However, you will contribute to team decisions during shifts and support colleagues by modelling trauma-informed practice and living our organisational values.

Career Pathway Statement

This role forms the foundation of a clear career pathway at Excel & Emerge Care. With development, Residential Children's Practitioners can progress to Senior Practitioner, Deputy Care Manager, Registered Home Manager, and Responsible Individual roles, each carrying greater leadership, accountability, and opportunity to shape our vision of empowering every voice.

Essential Criteria

Ability to work shifts on a rota basis, including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins. Right to work in the UK (we are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time).

Desirable Criteria

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent), or willingness to work towards and complete the Children, Young People and Families Practitioner (Level 4) qualification. Experience working in a similar setting (children's residential, youth work, or care).

What We Offer:

Competitive salary and sleep-in allowance. Comprehensive induction and ongoing training. Opportunities for professional development and career progression. Supportive management and a positive team culture. Employee wellbeing support and recognition schemes.

How To Apply:

If you're passionate about making a difference and believe every child deserves a safe and happy home, we'd love to hear from you.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 13.00-15.56 per hour

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Free parking Private medical insurance Referral programme
Work Location: In person