Residential Childcare Practitioner

Residential Childcare Practitioner – Greenleaf House, Hawick, Scottish Borders

You will be part of a unique team that facilitates excellent practice and shapes the development of our service. The position involves 14‑hour shifts followed by a 10‑hour sleepover in a small residential setting. You will provide continuous care to children and young people aged up to 21 who have experienced trauma or adverse life events, offering a therapeutic, trauma‑informed, and compassionate environment.

Our vision is for every young person who lives with us to experience a safe, happy, and nurturing present and a future that is filled with hope and optimism.

• Provide care and support to children and young people in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the assessment process and support delivery of programmes.
• Attend planning and review meetings and participate in a key‑person system.
• Ensure quality recording of information and maintain a safe, hygienic environment.
• Work within a shift system, including sleepovers and long hours.
• Undertake health‑and‑safety checks and other required checks.
• Participate in ongoing training and take responsibility for personal development.
• Implement de‑escalation and crisis intervention strategies in line with mandatory training.
• Promote young people’s participation, structure, boundaries and routine.
• Protect the safety of children, staff and the public, and agree with safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Adhere to the code of conduct required by the SSSC.

• Previous experience working in a residential children’s home.
• SVQ 3 and HNC in social care or equivalent; or willingness to obtain them.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Understanding of safeguarding, child protection and relevant legislation.
• Ability to work shifts, including weekends, sleepovers and long hours.
• Full UK manual driving licence and confident driver; eligible for car insurance.
• Knowledge of intervention strategies and crisis physical intervention.
• Strong therapeutic, compassionate, patient and nurturing approach.

• Competitive salary above sector average.
• 29 days holiday entitlement plus additional annual leave starting at 2 years’ service.
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 wellbeing line and free counselling.
• Health Cash Plan covering dental, optical, physio and a 24/7 GP helpline.
• Greenleaf For You platform offering savings, discounts and money‑back vouchers.
• Aspiring Leaders Programme for career development.
• Pension scheme with Nest Pensions.
• Complementary meals while on shift.
• Casual dress code.

• Experience in a residential children’s home and qualification in this field.
• SSSC registration and PVG membership for work with children and adults.
• Full UK manual driving licence and eligibility for company car insurance.
• Ability to work shifts including evenings, sleepovers and weekends.
• Willingness to acquire or work towards SVQ 3/HNC in social care or other relevant subject.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection.