Job Description

Job Introduction

Our Story:

We are a growing and forward-thinking organisation, committed to creating nurturing, safe, and stable home environments where every child can begin to heal, develop positive relationships, and thrive.


We currently have 4 homes across the southwest and London and 1 multibed provision in Durham that has the capacity for up to 8 children over 4 homes.


At 360 Children's Residential Services, we are proud to be entering an exciting phase of growth as we expand our capacity to support more children and young people aged 7 to 17. This expansion is driven by our unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred care that transforms lives and empowers every child to thrive.


Many of the children we support have experienced significant early trauma, loss, or neglect, often resulting in complex emotional and behavioural needs. At 360 Children's Residential Services, we don't see problems--we see potential. Our trauma-informed approach, underpinned by the PACE model of therapeutic parenting, enables us to build trusting relationships, promote emotional healing, and create a deep sense of belonging. Every aspect of our care is tailored to the individual--what matters to them, what they need, and how they feel heard.


We believe in the power of Commitment, Respect, and Support to help young people flourish. Our homes are more than just places to live--they are safe havens where children feel loved, valued, and free to be themselves. We equip them with the tools, confidence, and resilience they need to thrive both now and into adulthood.


This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dynamic, forward-thinking organisation where your passion and purpose will directly shape the lives of vulnerable young people. You'll be part of a committed team driven by a shared mission: to provide high-quality, personalised care that gives children the best possible start in life.


"In our safe havens, young people embrace their tomorrow with confidence."

Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Contribution

Work under the direction of the Registered Manager, Deputy Manager, and senior colleagues to provide consistent, trauma-informed care for children and young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Act as a positive role model on shift, demonstrating empathy, patience, and professionalism in all interactions. Contribute to effective handovers, ensuring accurate communication and continuity of care between shifts. Work collaboratively with colleagues to maintain structure, consistency, and clear boundaries within the home. Engage in regular supervision, team meetings, and reflective practice sessions to enhance professional development and team cohesion.

Safeguarding & Child Protection

Prioritise the safety and welfare of young people, identifying and reporting any safeguarding concerns in line with policy and statutory requirements. Be alert to signs of trauma, distress, or exploitation and respond appropriately to protect young people from harm. Maintain clear professional boundaries while building safe, trusting relationships that promote openness and emotional security. Contribute to a positive, safe environment where all young people feel valued, respected, and protected from bullying or discrimination. Ensure safeguarding is integrated into all daily practice, activities, and decision-making.

Child-Centred Practice & Emotional Support

Develop and sustain nurturing relationships that support emotional regulation, trust-building, and personal growth. Respond calmly and therapeutically to challenging behaviour, following agreed behaviour support and crisis management plans. Encourage and empower young people to express their feelings safely and constructively, helping them develop self-awareness and coping skills. Support young people to participate in decisions about their care, routines, and future goals. Promote consistency, routine, and predictability to provide a secure base for emotional development.

Behaviour Management & Positive Interventions

Implement individual behaviour support plans effectively, using de-escalation and restorative approaches. Model appropriate behaviour and emotional regulation, helping young people learn through example. Encourage reflection and problem-solving following incidents, supporting learning and growth rather than punishment. Work closely with senior staff and external professionals to review and adapt behaviour strategies as needed. Maintain accurate, detailed records of incidents, interventions, and outcomes to inform care planning and safeguarding.

Health, Education & Community Engagement

Support young people in engaging positively with education, training, or therapeutic programmes, promoting attendance and perseverance. Encourage healthy routines including sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and personal hygiene. Accompany young people to health appointments, therapy sessions, and recreational activities, offering reassurance and advocacy as needed. Promote participation in sports, hobbies, and community-based activities that enhance social skills, confidence, and inclusion. Support young people to build and maintain positive community connections, reducing isolation and promoting belonging.

Care Planning & Recording

Work in line with each young person's individual care plan, risk assessments, and placement objectives. Contribute to the development and review of care plans through accurate daily recordings and reflective insights. Support young people through transitions such as moving placements, school changes, or steps toward independence. Maintain professional, confidential records and share relevant information appropriately with the wider care team. Participate in meetings, reviews, and consultations to ensure consistent and informed care delivery.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Promote equality of opportunity and inclusion for all young people, respecting and celebrating their unique backgrounds, cultures, and identities. Support young people in expressing their beliefs, values, and individuality in safe and meaningful ways. Challenge discriminatory behaviour and model respect, fairness, and understanding at all times. Foster an environment where diversity is embraced and difference is seen as a source of strength.

Compliance & Continuous Improvement

Follow all organisational policies and legal requirements including The Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, the Quality Standards, and safeguarding legislation. Ensure health and safety standards are upheld in all aspects of daily work. Engage in mandatory training and professional development, including trauma-informed care, de-escalation, and safeguarding. Reflect on practice and seek guidance to continuously improve care quality and outcomes for young people. Promote a culture of learning, accountability, and mutual support within the team.

Partnership & Communication

Maintain open, professional communication with colleagues, management, and external professionals including social workers, therapists, and educators. Contribute to multi-agency meetings and share relevant insights to support consistent care planning. Support the maintenance of positive relationships with families and carers, where appropriate, in line with each young person's plan. Represent the home and organisation positively and professionally in all external interactions.

Additional Duties

Work flexibly as part of the rota, including evenings, weekends, sleep-ins, and holidays, to meet the needs of the young people. Undertake domestic and household tasks to ensure the home remains clean, safe, and welcoming. Carry out any additional duties consistent with the role of Residential Support Practitioner, as directed by senior staff, to support the changing needs of the home and its residents. The above list is indicative and not exhaustive. The Residential Support Practitioner is expected to carry out all such additional duties that are reasonably commensurate with the role.

Who we are looking for:

Qualifications

Ability to commit to and complete the Level 3 Residential Childcare Diploma (England) within 2 years of appointment (essential, no cost to employee) GCSE in Maths and English Grade 4 and above (C) (desirable) Level 3 Residential Childcare Diploma or equivalent (desirable)

Experience

No previous experience required -- just a genuine passion for helping children and young people (essential) Full training and support will be provided to help you build your skills and confidence At least 1 year's experience working with young people in a similar setting (desirable)

Knowledge

Understanding of:

Equality and Diversity GDPR Safeguarding and Child Protection (essential)

Desirable knowledge of:

The Children's Home Regulations 2015 The Equality Act 2010 The Human Rights Act 1998 Keeping Children Safe in Education 2019 P.A.C.E. and the impacts of trauma The Children's Act 2004

Skills and Abilities

Ability to manage time efficiently Build rapport and relationships with a range of children, young people, and families Work effectively as part of a team and independently Collaborate with external professionals Write clear, detailed reports Strong communication and interpersonal skills Professional and adaptable in changing situations Proficient in IT, including Word, Outlook, and Excel Ability to incorporate professional recommendations to support young people (desirable) Adapt communication styles to meet individual needs (desirable) Crisis management skills (desirable)

Physical Requirements

Full UK driving licence and use of vehicle for business purposes (essential) Flexibility with working days and hours to meet the needs of the home

Motivation and Disposition

Integrity and good character Mentally and physically fit for the role Commitment to developing own learning and knowledge Ability to reflect on practice and implement change Calm and exploratory approach to working with children and young people Willingness to attend provided training (desirable)

Safeguarding Statement:

At 360 Children's Residential Services Limited, safeguarding is central to our mission. We are fully committed to protecting and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and their families, in line with the statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children.

We apply robust and rigorous safer recruitment practices to ensure unsuitable individuals are identified and prevented from working in our services. All applicants must share our commitment to safeguarding and will be subject to enhanced DBS checks, reference verification, and thorough pre-employment screening.

All staff are responsible for cultivating a culture of openness, accountability, and reflective practice. We expect every team member to confidently question, challenge, and address any behaviour or relationships that may compromise the safety or wellbeing of children in our care.

This job description is not exhaustive; it merely outlines the key tasks and responsibilities of this post. These key tasks and responsibilities are subject to change. Any changes will be made in consultation with the post holders and the management team. You will be expected, in undertaking the role, to comply with all policies and procedures that the organisation may issue.