Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner

Join to apply for the Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner role at Greenleaf House in Hawick, Scottish Borders.

Salary: £36,550 to £40,852 OTE plus overtime at time and a half.

About the team: We’re looking for people who share our beliefs and are compassionate towards young people. We specialise in solo placements for young people in care up to age 21 using a therapeutic, trauma‑informed approach. Our values are Integrity, Compassion, Excellence, Collaboration and Respect.

You will be part of a unique team who will work together to facilitate excellent practice and shape the development of our Service. As a Senior practitioner, you will lead your team to excellence.

Note: This role involves completing 14‑hour shifts followed by a 10‑hour sleepover.

• Provide care and support to children and young people in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Supervise and mentor care practitioners.
• Ensure the care team have the necessary skills and knowledge.
• Support on‑call arrangements.
• Assist with management tasks including finance, staffing, recruitment, training and environment.
• Maintain and improve care standards and complete professional reports within agreed timescales.
• Support assessment process and delivery of support programmes with your team.
• Ensure quality recording of information in accordance with policies and regulations.
• Participate in shift system including night or sleepover duty; undertake health and safety checks.
• Engage in ongoing training and development to maintain professional skills.
• Implement de‑escalation and physical intervention strategies where necessary.
• Promote young people’s participation in the environment and daily activities.
• Maintain awareness of child protection issues and safeguarding principles.
• Follow emergency call‑out procedures and promote structure, boundaries and routines.
• Complete records for statutory reviews and meetings concerning the young people.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe, hygienic and clean environment.

• Previous experience 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.
• Availability to work shifts, weekends, sleepovers 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.

• Significant experience in a residential children’s home.
• SVQ 3 and HNC in social care or other relevant subject.
• Eligibility for SSSC registration and PVG membership.
• Full manual UK driving licence and eligibility for company car insurance.
• Availability for shifts including evenings, sleepovers and weekends.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection.

• 29 days holiday entitlement, increasing every two years of service.
• Employee Assistance Programme with a 24/7 wellbeing line and free counselling.
• Company‑funded qualifications and support from an internal assessor – SVQ 3 and 4, HNC in social services.
• Health Cash Plan covering dental and optical, physio therapies and a 24/7 GP helpline.
• Greenleaf For You platform offering savings and discounts.
• Progression pathways and opportunities for career development.
• Pension scheme with Nest Pensions.
• Complementary meals while on shift.
• Casual dress code.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Information Technology

Individual and Family Services