Lockerbie, Dumfries and Galloway
From £36,550 to £40,852 OTE plus overtime at time and a half
We’re looking for people to join our team who share our beliefs. We want team members who’ll never give up on our young people, who are compassionate and who believe that our young people deserve the best we can give them.
We specialise in solo placements for young people in care up to the age of 21 and adopt a therapeutic, trauma‑informed approach to care. In our work, we uphold Greenleaf’s values of Integrity, Compassion, Excellence, Collaboration, and Respect.
Role Overview
You will be part of a unique team that works together to facilitate excellent practice and shape the development of our Service. As a Senior Practitioner, you will lead your team to excellence. The role involves completing 14‑hour shifts followed by a 10‑hour sleep‑over. You will contribute by ensuring high standards of care and support, working with children and young people who have experienced trauma or adverse life experiences in a small residential setting. You will demonstrate compassion, patience, nurturing, and a therapeutic approach, and you will strive for continuous improvement and professional development for yourself and your team.
Ideal Candidate
* Previous experience of working in a residential children’s home and in a supervisory capacity.
* SVQ 3 and HNC in social care or equivalent.
* Excellent communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.
* Understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
* Ability to work shifts, including weekends, sleep‑overs, and long hours.
* Full UK manual driving licence and confidence to drive.
* Knowledge of behaviours displayed by children and young people and skill in intervention strategies.
* Awareness of relevant legislation.
* Training in crisis and physical intervention.
Duties and Responsibilities
* Provide care and support to our children and young people in accordance with policies and procedures and participate in a mindful, teamwork approach to therapeutic childcare practice.
* Provide supervisory and mentoring support to care practitioners.
* Ensure the care team has the skills, knowledge and ability to care for children and young people effectively.
* Support on‑call arrangements as a senior member of the team.
* Assist with management tasks including finance, staffing, recruitment, training and environment.
* Contribute to the maintenance and improvement of care standards.
* Complete professional reports within agreed timescales.
* Participate in the assessment process for young people and deliver support programmes with the team.
* Ensure quality recording of information in accordance with policies and regulations.
* Work within a shift system including night or sleep‑over duty.
* Undertake health and safety checks and other safety/security checks as necessary.
* Participate in ongoing training and development to maintain and build professional skills.
* Implement de‑escalation and physical intervention strategies as necessary and appropriate in line with mandatory training.
* Promote young people’s participation in the environment and day‑to‑day activities of the home.
* Be fully aware of child protection issues and safeguard young people, staff and self.
* Understand emergency call‑out procedures of the house.
* Promote structure, boundaries and domestic routines within the house.
* Participate in and complete records for statutory reviews and meetings concerning young people.
* Contribute to the maintenance of a safe, hygienic and clean environment.
Requirements
* Significant experience of working in a residential children’s home.
* SVQ 3 and HNC in social care or other relevant subject.
* Eligibility for SSSC registration and PVG membership for work with children and adults.
* Full manual UK driving licence and eligibility for company vehicle insurance (drivers aged 21+).
* Ability to work shifts including evenings, sleep‑overs, and weekends.
* Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
* Understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
Benefits
* 29 days holiday entitlement, increasing with every two years of service.
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with a 24/7 wellbeing line and free counselling.
* Company‑funded qualifications and support from an internal assessor – SVQ 3 and 4 and HNC in social services.
* Health Cash Plan, which includes dental and optical cover, physio therapies, and a 24/7 GP helpline.
* Greenleaf For You platform offering savings, discounts and money‑back on vouchers.
* Progression pathways and opportunities to develop and progress in your career.
* Pension scheme with Nest Pensions.
* Complementary meals while on shift.
* Casual dress code.
The nature of residential work is varied and, in many instances, unpredictable. All staff are therefore expected to work flexibly and undertake tasks that have not been covered in the job description.
Senior practitioners are expected to conduct themselves professionally and adhere to Greenleaf Policies and Procedures. They must successfully complete induction and ongoing training.
The Company reserves the right to vary duties and responsibilities at any time.
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