Job Description

Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner - Therapeutic Children's Home

Location:

Merstham, Surrey

Contract Type:

Full-time, Permanent

Empower young lives--one moment, one breakthrough, one future at a time.

Are you a seasoned childcare professional driven by purpose and passionate about therapeutic care? Ready to step into a senior role where every day presents a chance to truly make a difference?

We're looking for an enthusiastic

Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner

to join our dedicated team at a well-established, Ofsted-registered children's home nestled on the edge of the beautiful Surrey Hills. This is more than a job--it's a chance to help transform lives in a setting grounded in compassion, connection, and high-quality care.

About Us

Our home offers a nurturing environment for up to four children aged 10-18 who cannot live with their families. Located in a spacious house with a large garden and surrounded by nature, we provide a safe, therapeutic space where children can begin to heal, grow, and thrive.

We believe in the power of relationships--between people, animals, and nature. Therapy pets and resident bunnies help create a warm, calming atmosphere that supports emotional recovery and development.

Led by an experienced, values-driven leadership team, we focus on creating meaningful, long-term change for the young people we support. Our commitment to high standards and a therapeutic model underpins everything we do.

Your Role

As a

Senior Practitioner

, you'll be a key part of our leadership on the ground--guiding and supporting your team during shifts, modelling therapeutic care, and ensuring the smooth daily running of the home. You'll help create powerful, everyday moments that support healing, resilience, and personal growth.

What You'll Do:

Deliver consistent, child-centred care tailored to each young person's unique needs Lead and manage shifts, overseeing all aspects of the home's daily life Support care planning, behaviour strategies, and development of team members Facilitate engaging therapeutic and recreational activities Maintain high-quality documentation in line with Ofsted standards Mentor and support junior staff with empathy and professionalism Foster a culture rooted in safety, trust, and emotional connection Participate in training, team meetings, and reflective practice

What You'll Bring:

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) -

essential

Solid experience working in children's residential care, ideally in a senior role Strong knowledge of safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, and relevant regulations Leadership, communication, and mentoring skills Resilience, compassion, and the ability to stay calm under pressure Full UK driving licence Willingness to work long days and regular sleep-in shifts (typically 2-3 per week)

What You'll Gain:

A competitive salary and clear path for career progression Work-life balance through a long day and sleep-in shift model In-depth induction and continuous professional development Specialist training in therapeutic approaches and reflective practice A genuinely supportive, team-oriented environment Pension scheme and additional benefits A deeply meaningful role where your work creates lasting change

Are you ready to take the next step in your career--and help change lives in the process?

If you're a resilient, nurturing practitioner who believes in the power of relationship-based care, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today

with your CV and a brief cover letter explaining why you're the perfect fit for this fulfilling opportunity.

Join a team where care is more than a job--it's a calling.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 32,500.00-36,300.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension On-site parking Referral programme
Experience:

Residential Childcare: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

UK Driving Licence (required) NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: SNR RCCP