Make a Real Difference – Join Us as a Residential Practitioner Are you driven by purpose? Do you believe every child deserves safety, love, and the chance to thrive? If you're passionate about transforming lives and want to be part of something truly meaningful, we’d love to hear from you. We’re looking for compassionate, resilient, and dedicated individuals to join our growing team across our newly opened children’s homes. This is more than a job — it’s an opportunity to be a stabilising, trusted adult in a child’s life, every single day. In accordance with Schedule 9, Part 1, of the Equality Act 2010, this role has a Genuine Occupational Requirement for the postholder to be aged 21 years or above. This is an essential and proportionate requirement to ensure the effective and appropriate delivery of the service due to the nature of the duties of the role and the ages and complex needs of the children and young people in our care. About us Right child, right support, right time, every time. Following our June 2025 Ofsted inspection, our Children’s Services were rated ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ elements. We are proud to be opening new, purpose-led children’s homes designed around trauma‑informed care, clinical support, and excellent staff development. What makes us different? As a Local Authority children’s home, we are driven by care, not profit. Our focus is firmly on doing what is right for children. That means every decision, every resource, and every member of staff is dedicated to creating safety, stability and long‑term opportunities for the children who live with us. Being part of a Local Authority service also means our homes are fully connected to Gloucestershire’s wider support network, giving children seamless access to education, health, therapeutic input, and community resources. It also means you’ll work alongside professionals who share the same values, the same purpose, and the same commitment to children’s futures. On‑site therapeutic support clinicians guiding trauma‑informed practice Advanced Practitioner‑led training and reflective support a culture of listening, learning, and valuing staff voice Our homes Each home has a clear purpose: Short‑term home for younger children transitioning to foster care or returning home Long‑term home for older children preparing for independence Step‑down home supporting older children moving from residential care to fostering or home About you We are looking for people who are: passionate about helping children flourish empathetic, patient, and resilient able to build strong, trusting relationships good communicators and collaborative team players flexible to work shifts, evenings, weekends, and sleep‑ins committed to reflection and professional development Experience is welcomed but not essential — full training is provided. Requirements level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England) or an equivalent qualification, or a commitment to achieving the Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare within two years of commencing employment at the home if you do not already have this qualification full driving licence and wiliness to drive in the job Enhanced DBS (Adults & Children) About the role As a Residential Practitioner, you will: deliver high‑quality, personalised care use trauma‑informed approaches to support emotional healing encourage independence, life skills, and positive routines work closely with a multidisciplinary team support children in education, recreation and personal growth respond to challenges with confidence and curiosity ensure the home meets safeguarding and regulatory standards Typical shift pattern: Rotas operate over 7 days a week (Monday–Sunday). Staff typically work 2 to 3 long shifts per week, each totalling 16 hours. Example Long Shift Structure Day 1: 10:00am – 11:00pm (shift) sleep in (11:00pm – 7:00am), Day 2 - 7:00am – 10:30am (shift continues). Day 3 Off Why join us? Choosing this role means choosing to make a real and lasting difference. Here’s what you can expect: You’ll change lives and see it happen. You’ll witness powerful moments of growth: a child smiling again, trusting again, or feeling safe enough to be themselves. These are the moments that stay with you. You’ll be part of a team that lifts each other up. You won’t face challenges alone. Our teams support one another, reflect together, and celebrate progress, big and small. You’ll receive training that builds confidence and skill. With trauma‑informed training, clinical guidance and continuous development, you’ll grow into a confident, thoughtful practitioner who makes a meaningful impact. You’ll work in homes built to feel safe and welcoming. Our homes are shaped with young people, warm, homely, and filled with opportunities for connection, fun, and healing. Your work will have purpose every day. Every meal shared, every conversation, every walk, every moment of support builds trust, safety and hope. You’ll go home knowing your presence mattered. If you would like to find out more about our Children's Service please take a look here: Children's Social Care Careers | Gloucestershire County Council * Any hours worked between 20.00 – 06.00, weekends and Bank Holidays attract an unsociable payment over and above the basic salary for this post. You can apply directly here: Children's Home Residential Practitioner Job Details | Gloucestershire County Council and find the full role profile.