Job Description

Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner - Ofsted Children's Residential Home

Location:

Cheshunt

Contract:

Full-time, Permanent

Salary:

31,200 - 32,200 per year

Shifts:

Days, evenings, weekends and sleep-ins

Are you an experienced Residential Childcare Practitioner looking to step into a Senior or Team Leader position?

We are recruiting a

Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner / Shift Leader

to join our

Ofsted-regulated therapeutic children's home

in Goff's Oak, Cheshunt. This role offers the opportunity to provide high-quality direct care while leading shifts, supporting staff and helping young people aged 10-17 with emotional and behavioural needs achieve positive outcomes.

This is an ideal next step for a practitioner ready to take on more responsibility, influence therapeutic practice and support the development and resilience of young people in residential care.

Why This Role Stands Out

Lead with Purpose

Take ownership of shift leadership, mentoring staff and ensuring safe, consistent and child-centred care.

Make a Real Impact

Every shift contributes to trauma recovery, emotional development, independence and brighter futures for young people.

Supportive, Values-Driven Team

Join a collaborative, reflective organisation committed to high standards, wellbeing and professional growth.

Dynamic Working Pattern

Balanced rota including day, evening, weekend and sleep-in shifts.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Support for Young People

Build trusting, therapeutic relationships as a key adult Support daily routines: meals, education, activities, family contact and appointments Apply trauma-informed, child-centred practice Monitor emotional wellbeing, behaviour and placement plans Work with external agencies to coordinate care

Leadership and Team Support

Lead 3-4 shifts per week as senior member on duty Deliver handovers, delegate tasks and mentor Residential Support Workers Help maintain a reflective and professional team culture

Safeguarding & Behaviour Monitoring

Respond appropriately to incidents, risks and disclosures Lead debriefs and support emotional regulation following challenges Monitor patterns relating to safeguarding, behaviour and risk

Operational & Compliance

Oversee medication, health and safety and shift paperwork Audit records including logs, incidents, care plans and keywork Ensure the home meets Ofsted-compliant standards at all times

What We're Looking For

Minimum

2 years' experience

in a children's residential care or similar setting

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

(or working towards) Experience leading shifts, mentoring or delegating responsibilities Strong knowledge of safeguarding, risk and trauma-informed practice Confident, calm and resilient leadership style Excellent communication, organisational and decision-making skills Full UK driving licence preferred

What You'll Receive

Salary:

31,200 - 32,200 per year

Clear career progression into Deputy Manager and Registered Manager roles Ongoing training in trauma-informed, therapeutic and leadership practice Supportive management team and reflective supervision A values-led workplace where staff are respected, listened to and developed The personal reward of helping young people stabilise, grow and succeed

How to Apply

If you are ready to take the next step into leadership and are committed to delivering high-quality residential childcare, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply with your CV to be considered for the

Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner / Shift Leader role in Goff's Oak, Cheshunt

.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 15.00-15.50 per hour

Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension Discounted or free food Referral programme
Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence (preferred) DBS Certificate registered to the Update Service (preferred) NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare (preferred)
Work Location: In person