Job Description

Location:

Merstham, Surrey

Contract:

Full-time, Permanent

Salary:

32,500-36,300 per annum (including 60 per night sleep-in payments)

Empower Young Lives - One Moment, One Breakthrough, One Future

If you're a dedicated childcare professional looking to take the next step in your career, this is your chance to make a genuine difference. Step into a role where your leadership will inspire transformation, where each day is a chance to shape a young person's future, and where therapeutic care is at the heart of everything you do.

We're looking for a

Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner

to join our Ofsted-registered therapeutic home, set on the peaceful edge of the Surrey Hills. Here, you'll lead a passionate, child-focused team, offering stability, empathy, and consistent, nurturing care for young people aged 10-18.

About the Home

Our home provides care for up to four young people who can't live with their families, offering a stable and emotionally safe space for recovery and growth. The setting is calm, spacious, and surrounded by nature--designed to promote trust, healing, and personal development.

Therapy animals, including our much-loved rabbits, are part of our unique, holistic approach. Guided by an experienced, trauma-informed leadership team, every decision is made with one guiding question: What is best for the child?

Your Role

As Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner, you'll take the lead on shift, supporting both colleagues and the young people in your care. You'll foster a safe, therapeutic environment, guide junior team members, and provide a calm, dependable presence--through both the challenges and the celebrations.

This is a hands-on role where emotional resilience, confidence, and a deep understanding of trauma-informed practice are essential. You'll help young people rebuild trust, develop coping skills, and start believing in what's possible for their future.

Key responsibilities include:

Delivering high-quality, individualised care Leading shifts and maintaining a safe, structured environment Contributing to care planning, risk assessments, and behaviour support strategies Facilitating therapeutic and recreational activities to build resilience Keeping accurate records in line with regulations Mentoring junior staff and encouraging reflective practice Taking part in ongoing training and professional development
What You'll Bring

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) -

essential

Significant experience in residential childcare, ideally in a senior or shift-leading role Strong safeguarding knowledge and a trauma-informed approach Calm, confident leadership with excellent communication skills Empathy, resilience, and a steady presence under pressure Full UK driving licence -

essential

Availability for 24.5-hour shifts (10:00am-11:00pm, sleep-in, then 7:00am-10:30am), including 2-3 sleep-ins per week
What We Offer

32,500-36,300 salary (including sleep-in payments) Long day/sleep-in shift model to support work-life balance Clear pathways for career progression Full induction plus ongoing training and development Specialist therapeutic training in trauma-informed care Supportive, collaborative team culture Pension scheme and additional staff benefits A role where your work changes lives for the better

Be Part of Something That Truly Matters

This is more than a job--it's the chance to create a home where young people feel safe, understood, and supported to move forward. If you're ready to lead with care and be a key part of someone's brighter future, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now

with your CV and a brief cover letter explaining why this role inspires 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