Job Title: Therapeutic Practitioner – Children’s Residential CareAre you a passionate and dedicated professional looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people? Do you have experience in delivering trauma-informed therapeutic care? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for a Therapeutic Practitioner to join our dedicated team in a children’s residential setting.
About Us
We are a leading provider of high-quality residential care services for children and young people who have experienced significant trauma, abuse, or neglect. Our mission is to provide a nurturing, safe, and structured environment where young people can heal, grow, and develop positive life skills.
We work within a therapeutic framework to support children with complex emotional, social, and behavioural needs. Our approach integrates evidence-based psychological and therapeutic interventions to promote resilience, emotional well-being, and personal development.
The Role
As a Therapeutic Practitioner, you will play a vital role in delivering therapeutic interventions and providing direct care and support to children living within our residential homes. You will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team, ensuring that young people receive the highest standard of therapeutic care tailored to their individual needs.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide trauma-informed therapeutic interventions to children and young people in a residential setting.Work closely with residential care teams to embed therapeutic principles into daily care routines.Develop, implement, and review personalised care and support plans in collaboration with the child, keyworkers, and external professionals.Conduct regular therapeutic assessments to monitor progress and adjust interventions accordingly.Deliver individual and group-based therapeutic sessions to support emotional regulation, attachment, and resilience.Support staff in understanding and applying therapeutic techniques to improve outcomes for children.Advocate for the needs of young people, ensuring their voices are heard and considered in care planning.Promote a positive, nurturing, and stable environment that supports the psychological well-being of children.Participate in training, supervision, and continuous professional development.Maintain accurate records and reports in line with safeguarding, regulatory, and organisational requirements.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will need to be empathetic, resilient, and passionate about making a difference in children’s lives. You will have a strong understanding of trauma, attachment, and child development and be skilled in implementing therapeutic interventions in a residential care setting.
Essential Criteria:
A degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counselling, Child & Adolescent Mental Health, or a related field.Experience working with children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.Knowledge of therapeutic models such as Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, or other trauma-informed approaches.Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships with children and colleagues.Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team and liaise with external professionals.Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.A flexible and proactive approach to working in a residential care environment.
Desirable Criteria:
A recognised therapeutic qualification (e.g., Counselling, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, CBT Practitioner).Experience in residential childcare or fostering settings.Training in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) or similar de-escalation techniques.Understanding of relevant legislation and frameworks, such as the Children Act 1989, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and Ofsted regulations.
What We Offer
We believe in investing in our staff and providing opportunities for continuous learning and development. As part of our team, you will benefit from:
Competitive salary with enhancements for relevant qualifications and experience.Comprehensive training and professional development, including access to therapeutic training courses.Clinical supervision and regular reflective practice to support your well-being and effectiveness in the role.Opportunities for career progression within a growing organisation.A supportive, collaborative working environment where your contributions are valued.Employee benefits, including pension schemes, well-being initiatives, and annual leave entitlement.
Join Us in Making a Difference
If you are passionate about therapeutic care and want to be part of a team that transforms the lives of vulnerable children and young people, we would love to hear from you.
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.