Job Description

Location:

Merstham, Surrey

Contract:

Full-time, Permanent

Salary:

32,500-36,300 per annum (inclusive of sleep-in payments at 60 per night)

Empower Young Lives - One Moment, One Breakthrough, One Future at a Time

Are you an experienced childcare professional looking to take the next step in your career? If you're passionate about therapeutic care and ready for a senior role where your leadership can truly transform lives, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Join a dedicated, child-focused team as a

Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner

in our well-established Ofsted-registered home on the edge of the stunning Surrey Hills. Here, every shift is a chance to lead with empathy, support recovery, and help shape brighter futures for young people who need it most.

About the Home

Set in a peaceful, spacious location, our therapeutic children's home supports up to four young people aged 10-18 who can no longer live with their families. The home is carefully designed to offer calm, stability, and emotional safety--an environment where healing and growth are genuinely possible.

Therapy animals, including resident rabbits, are a unique and valued part of our nurturing approach. Backed by an experienced, trauma-informed leadership team, the home is built on a foundation of ethical, high-quality care and a belief in long-term, positive outcomes for every child.

Your Role

As a

Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner

, you will take a lead role on shift, offering support and guidance to your colleagues and setting the tone for a therapeutic, child-centred environment. You'll play a key part in supporting young people through everyday challenges, milestones, and emotional journeys--helping them rebuild trust and confidence.

Key Responsibilities

Provide consistent, high-quality care tailored to each young person's individual needs Lead shifts effectively, maintaining structure and emotional safety Contribute to care planning, risk assessments, and behaviour support strategies Support therapeutic and recreational activities that build resilience and wellbeing Maintain clear and accurate records in line with regulatory standards Mentor and support junior staff, promoting reflective practice and team growth Participate fully in ongoing training and development opportunities

What You'll Bring

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)

- essential Substantial experience in a residential childcare setting, with shift-leading or senior responsibilities A strong understanding of safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, and Ofsted regulations Confident leadership, emotional resilience, and excellent communication skills A calm, grounded, and empathetic approach to care

Full UK driving licence

- essential Flexibility to work

24.5-hour shifts

(10:00am-11:00pm, sleep-in, then 7:00am-10:30am), including 2-3 sleep-ins per week

What You'll Gain

Annual earnings of 32,500-36,300 (including sleep-in payments) Long day/sleep-in shift pattern to support work-life balance Competitive salary with clear career progression pathways Full induction and access to continuing professional development Specialist therapeutic training and support A warm, collaborative team culture that values your voice Pension scheme and additional staff benefits A role with deep purpose and the chance to make a lasting difference in young lives

Be Part of Something Meaningful

This is more than a job--it's an opportunity to help shape a therapeutic environment where young people feel safe, valued, and understood. If you're ready to lead with heart, grow your skills, and be part of a team making real change every day, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now

with your CV and a short cover letter explaining why this role speaks to you.

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