Therapeutic Children's Residential Practitioner

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and young people? Southampton City Council is seeking committed and compassionate Therapeutic Children's Residential Practitioners to provide outstanding care and support at our new specialist children's home.

We will 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.

As a 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.

• 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.

• 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 well being 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 11 pm and 7 am. 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 Henderson House. However, if the needs of the service require you may on occasion be asked to support young people at a different location.
• DBS:All staff are required to have an Enhanced DBS. Ideally, being on the DBS update service is desirable.

The salary band for this role is £32,061 - £36,362. The starting salary is £32,061 with annual progression through the salary bands.

• 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
• Heal…