Residential Childcare Practitioner

Residential Childcare Practitioner

Location:

Stair, Mauchline, KA5

Pay: £27,976 unqualified - £29,036 with an SVQ or HNC - £32,510 with both SVQ & HNC

A full UK driving licence is required and we are unable to offer sponsorship for this vacancy

With Spark of Genius, Every Second Counts

At Spark of Genius, you’re not just working - you’re shaping futures. Furthermore, every moment you spend with our young people helps them to feel safe, valued and supported.

A simple "How was your day?", a shared laugh over a board game or a TV show or encouragement during a tough moment, all these small interactions build trust and shape lives. Some days will be challenging but every breakthrough, every smile and every step forward will remind you why this work truly matters and how you are making a difference.

What will you do?

You will support young people with their daily routines, like ensuring they’re ready for school or college in the mornings, making sure homework is done ready for the next day, coming together at meal times, planning activities and encouraging hobbies and healthy pastimes. You will provide consistent, nurturing, and therapeutic care to our children and young people who have experienced trauma and adversity, building trusting relationships, supporting young people to achieve positive outcomes, and work collaboratively with colleagues and professionals to deliver high-quality, child-centred care.

• Ensure our children receive the highest level of support
• Support senior staff with timely updates
• Promote individuality NOT a "one size fits all" approach
• Promote independence, life skills, and positive behaviour through therapeutic approaches
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to care planning and risk assessments
• Be part of a warm, homely environment by helping with light housekeeping
• Build strong, meaningful relationships and provide emotional support
• Participate in team meetings, training, and reflective practice sessions
• Plan and join fun activities like trips to the park, popcorn & movie nights or creative projects

New staff must be comfortable using an electronic care recording system on a daily basis to document, monitor, and update children and young people’s records accurately. All staff are expected to confidently use digital systems as part of their day-to-day role.

A little about this home

Foxhill Cottage provides a warm and welcoming home in idyllic surroundings of the beautiful Ayrshire countryside. Although secluded it is far from isolated and is close to a number of small villages in the area providing fun and sensory places to visit.

The great outdoors abounds and we involve the children in outdoors activities whenever we can but we’re not averse to putting our feet up to watch a movie or play a game if the weather’s not on our side. The team here welcomes new faces and you’ll be supported every step of the way if you join us, we’re a happy little family with the children’s best interest at the forefront of everything we do.

Who are you?

We're looking for people who genuinely care and want to make that difference. You’ll need to be warm, patient, a great listener and be focused on achieving outcomes for others whilst taking pride in knowing you are helping to shape someone's life for the better. We need people who can evidence skills, knowledge and experiences to support young people who have been affected by trauma and may present or express their needs through emotional, social or behavioural distress.

• Previous experience is preferred or maybe you have cared for a friend or family member
• Demonstrate values that align with our therapeutic approach with a genuine desire to make a difference
• Desire to work towards SSSC qualifications and to develop and enhance your skills and knowledge
• Fu…