Job Description

Hours:

39 per week (including shifts, evenings, weekends and 9 sleep-ins a month)

Location:

Primarily based at one home, but may be required to work across other Genesis houses as needed.

Salary 36,000 (Including 9 Sleep-ins a month)

Job Summary

To contribute to, lead and model practice in a nurturing, therapeutic and fun environment for 5 girls aged 8 - 13, who have had traumatic early years experiences. Creating a home where they can feel safe, loved and begin to make positive memories. The Senior Therapeutic Care Worker helps create a safe, loving, structured and fun home environment where young people feel valued, protected and supported to grow emotionally, socially and developmentally.

The Senior TCW provides high quality therapeutic care, ensures daily routines are carried out to an excellent standard, supports team members, and upholds all regulatory requirements. The role requires leadership by example, emotional resilience and the ability to deliver therapeutic parenting in line with the home's model (PACE and Therapeutic Community principles).

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Therapeutic Parenting & Daily Care

Support young people through consistent, nurturing routines including morning and evening routines, personal hygiene, mealtimes, school preparation, and bedtime. Model high-quality therapeutic interactions that prioritise safety, trust, playfulness, empathy and acceptance. Participate in and lead on activities: after-school clubs, sports, arts, games, weekend outings, and holiday trips. Plan and deliver activities that build confidence, skills, identity, and positive memories. Support homework, school transitions, and emotional regulation after school.

Creating and Maintaining a Therapeutic Community

Ensure the home provides a safe, loving, and stable environment that mirrors the positive structure of a healthy family home. Implement therapeutic strategies including PACE, de-escalation, and relationship-based approaches. Support children to feel seen, heard, valued and respected in all interactions. Promote children's individuality, rights and choices, celebrating diversity and identity. Maintain emotional warmth while upholding boundaries and consistent care practice.

Regulation, Safeguarding & Professional Standards

Work in line with the Children Act 1989 & 2004, Care Standards Act 2000, and Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, including Quality Standards. Follow all safeguarding procedures, LSCB guidelines, "Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)" and relevant education safeguarding guidance. Monitor children's health and wellbeing, reporting concerns promptly. Adhere to all Health and Safety procedures, including medication, infection control, and safe driving. Ensure practice consistently reflects the home's Statement of Purpose.

Household Responsibilities

Lead by example in completing household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, laundry and shopping. Plan menus, support children's involvement in cooking and household routines, and maintain high standards of cleanliness and organisation throughout the home. Help ensure that the home reflects an emotionally warm, child-friendly and welcoming environment.

Recording, Administration & Key Work

Complete all daily recordings, incident reports, logs, emails, Reg 44/45 contributions and care documents to a high standard. As a Senior, ensure accuracy and provide support to junior staff with their recording. Take responsibility for named children as key worker: completing reports, attending statutory reviews, planning meetings, school events and family time. Use school hours effectively to complete paperwork, prepare activities, liaise with external professionals and contribute to planning.

Working with Families, Schools & External Agencies

Build and maintain professional working relationships with parents, social workers, schools and health services. Accompany children to appointments and facilitate/attend family time where appropriate. Collaborate effectively with multi-agency partners, ensuring communication is child-centred and timely. Support staff to work inclusively with families of diverse cultural backgrounds and needs.

Senior-Level Duties

Leadership, Teamwork & Professional Role Modelling

Support and mentor staff, including new starters, helping them integrate theory into practice. Model calm, consistent and therapeutic responses, especially during challenging situations. Contribute to team reflective practice, offering insight and supporting staff to improve. Support the Registered Manager and Deputy Manager in monitoring the quality of care, contributing to achieving and maintaining an Outstanding Ofsted rating. Assist in guiding staff through daily routines, ensuring structure and stability for the young people. Take responsibility for specific areas of house operations as delegated (e.g., health & safety checks, activity coordination, cultural awareness, education liaison).

Managing Behaviour & Emotional Regulation

Use therapeutic approaches to respond to challenging, confrontational or distressed behaviour. Recognise triggers, use de-escalation strategies, and model emotional containment. Guide staff in consistent behavioural expectations and boundary setting. Ensure all responses are trauma-informed, non-punitive, and in line with policy.

Contribution to Continuous Improvement

Support service development by contributing ideas, feedback and reflections. Help ensure the home improves practice and maintains excellent child outcomes. Represent the service professionally inside and outside the home.

Working with Young People: Child-Centred, Trauma-Informed Practice

Build and maintain emotionally attuned relationships with children. Understand each young person's background, care plan, trauma history, triggers and emotional needs. Help young people learn interpersonal and social skills in safe, supportive ways. Facilitate children's community meetings and involve them in home decisions. Maintain a protective environment for children affected by abuse, trauma or neglect.

Personal & Professional Development

Attend all training, reflective practice sessions, team meetings and clinical supervision. Complete mandatory training and refreshers, including therapeutic model training (PACE, TC principles, safeguarding). Engage in ongoing supervision and actively reflect on performance. Support the development of others through coaching, role modelling and constructive feedback. Hold or work toward the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (required within 2 years). Demonstrate continual professional development through learning, reading and self-reflection.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential:

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Desirable:

Qualifications related to childcare, social care, psychology, education or youth work.

Experience

Essential:

Experience working with children or young people (paid or voluntary). Experience in residential childcare or similar environment. Understanding of child development and trauma.

Desirable:

Experience supporting young people with emotional or behavioural difficulties. Experience mentoring or supervising staff.

Skills & Abilities

Essential:

Genuine passion for working with children who have experienced trauma. Ability to remain calm, resilient and reflective under pressure. Strong communication skills (written and verbal). Ability to maintain professional boundaries. Ability to lead by example and support junior staff. Competent IT skills for reports and communication. Ability to work therapeutically and apply de-escalation strategies. Ability to contribute to consistent team practice. Ability to manage emotions and support children in trusting adults. Full manual driving licence. Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice.

Desirable:

Experience using PACE, Therapeutic Community models, or other trauma-informed approaches. Experience leading shifts or deputising in a supervisory capacity
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 36,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Childcare Company pension Employee discount Free parking On-site parking Referral programme
Work Location: In person