Job Description

Organisation

Southampton City Council

Service Area

N/A

Job Location

Southampton

Contract Length

Permanent

Work Hours

Full time - 37 hours per week

Salary

37,280 - 40,778 per annum

Closing Date

27/11/2025

Job Reference

16210
and Person Specification
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and young people? Southampton City Council is seeking committed and compassionate

Senior

Residential Practitioners

to provide outstanding care and support at our new children's home.

About the Role:

As a Senior Residential Practitioner, you'll play a vital role in creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where children and young people can thrive. You will work as part of a dedicated team to empower young people to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential, whilst supporting the development of junior colleagues.

What You'll Do

We offer residential placements for up to 28 days where children can receive an assessment of their mental health/therapeutic needs, to inform on-going placement options with a view to avoiding the use of in-patient, secure and residential placements.

Providing Emotional Support

: Offering a stable, empathetic presence; helping young people express and process their emotions in healthy ways

Developing and Maintaining Care Plans

: Working with mental health professionals, families, and the young person to create individualised support plans tailored to their needs.

Monitoring Mental Health and Behaviour

: Observing changes in mood, behaviour, and overall mental state, and reporting concerns to the appropriate professionals.

Assisting with Daily Living

: Helping with tasks such as personal hygiene, meals, school or college attendance, and establishing routines--especially when mental health issues make these tasks difficult.

Building Trusting Relationships

: Establishing positive, professional relationships to encourage trust and cooperation, which is crucial for progress.

Crisis Intervention

: Recognising signs of crisis (e.g., self-harm or suicidal ideation) and responding appropriately, often following established safeguarding procedures.

Liaising with Other Professionals

: Working alongside social workers, psychologists, educators, and medical staff to provide holistic care.

Promoting Social Skills and Independence

: Encouraging engagement in social activities and helping young people develop life skills for greater independence.

Maintaining Records

: Keeping detailed, confidential records of interactions, behaviours, and interventions, which can inform ongoing care and support legal or safeguarding processes.

Providing a Safe Environment

: Ensuring the setting is physically and emotionally safe, respecting boundaries, and managing risks effectively.

Senior Duties :

Ensure the smooth running of shift, supporting residential practitioners in their role, oversee and ensure any relevant documentation complies with the statutory standards.

What We're Looking For

Experience:

Previous experience in residential care, childcare, or working with young people.

Qualifications:

NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare or equivalent

Skills:

Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

Attributes:

Compassionate, resilient, and committed to the wellbeing of children and young people.

Flexibility:

The home operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Your working pattern will include a mixture of shifts, including sleep ins, to ensure the home is covered at all times. The home will have a waking night staff member to respond to the needs of the young people between 11pm and 7am. However, if needed to support the waking night during these hours there is the expectation you will do so.

Place of work:

Your normal place of work will be at Ridgeway House. However if the needs of the service require, you may on occasion be asked to work at a different location.

DBS:

All staff are required to have an Enhanced DBS. Ideally, being on the DBS update service is desirable.

W

hat we can offer you

Salary:

The salary band for this role is 37,280 - 40,778. The

starting salary is 37,280 - 40,778

with annual progression through the salary bands.



Here at SCC we have a range of different benefits, a few examples can be found below.

Pay enhancement will be applicable

Excellent local government pension with 16.8% employer contribution Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution) Generous holiday 25-31 days, based on role and service Flexible working options (role-dependent) Family-friendly policies - Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents Training and development, including coaching and mentoring Health and wellbeing support - Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks Veteran-friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres Sustainable travel benefits - low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer

F

or further information on our benefits package please visit:

Employee benefits (southampton.gov.uk)

Southampton City Council

is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and provide satisfactory references.



Join us and help shape brighter futures for children and young people in Southampton!

Contact details for informal discussion:

For further information and details regarding the position, please contact Chris Edwards at chris.edwards@southampton.gov.uk

Recruitment contact details:

Email: recruitment@southampton.gov.uk

Tel: 023 8083 4033

For more information about SCC please visit

Southampton City Council

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