Do you have the skills and experience to make a difference to the life of a child in care in Plymouth? Plymouth City Council is opening Children’s Homes in Plymouth, small, family-style environments where just 2-3 children will live, usually between 11 and 18 years of age. If you have experience and passion for working with children and young people to improve their life chances, then this could be the perfect opportunity for you. We are looking for dynamic individuals to be our Children’s Homes Practitioners, part of the residential care team providing highly personalised, high-quality care to children and young people in a homely environment. In the role you will offer commitment and kindness and a willingness to go the extra mile. Being a supportive, reliable and compassionate person in a child’s life could have a huge impact on their experience of being in care, changing their futures for the better. If you’re eager to learn, grow, and make a difference to young lives - we encourage you to apply. You will be part of something special Whilst the children in our homes will have had a challenging start in life, you will be part of providing a positive experience of family life to rebuild them for their amazing futures. By being involved in their day to day care, you will build positive and trusting relationships with our children and young people. Through daily life events such as helping get ready for school, cooking meals together, assisting with homework and enjoying recreational activities, you will be helping to ensure that our children’s homes are fun, warm and caring places for children and young people in care. Whether it be sports, creative arts, baking, gardening or other skills and interests, you will be utilising your own talents to help our children and young people develop theirs. Our Children’s Home Practitioners will play a key role in helping children achieve their potential and thrive. The successful candidates will also have opportunities to provide support to children and young people on the edge of care, providing support to families with their parenting in their home to improve outcomes for children. Working shifts across the week, no two days will be the same. A day in the life of a Children’s Home Practitioner will involve morning and nighttime routines, educational support, mealtimes, games and activities. However, most important is ensuring you are present and available to the children in our care, creating a nurturing family home environment. The shift pattern includes nighttime, early morning, weekends and bank holidays on a rotational basis due to the nature of working in full-time residential care. This suits an individual who can make this work with their lifestyle as it is a full-time commitment! We are looking for those with a flexible, open minded and adaptable attitude to supporting the well-being of children and young people. In return you will be part of a supportive team joining an organisation committed to your ongoing learning and development. Training will be given on all elements of the role, with other learning opportunities arranged as part of your induction. Children’s Home Practitioners should have a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or be able to achieve this within 2 years of appointment. We will pay for this for you and support you to complete this. Successful candidates will be enrolled for this course after 6 months in the position, presenting an exciting opportunity for skills development and career progression for those with a passion for work with children! We will support you every step of the way. Whether you are looking for a new position, job change or hoping to start a career in health and social care, you could be the person who makes a lasting difference to a child’s future! Please note: this role requires enrolment onto a mandatory two-year training programme. Applicants must therefore have the right to work in the UK for a period that covers the full duration of the course. The Disclosure & Barring Service Check requirement for this post is: Enhanced DBS Children and Adults Barred Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK. For more information contact: childrenshomes@plymouth.gov.uk Closing date: Sunday 8 February