Residential Childcare Practitioner

Galston, United Kingdom | Posted on 23/06/2026

Our mission is to support young people to recover from trauma, live fulfilled lifestyles and engage in lifelong learning to transition on to positive destinations.

Our vision is to be the most trusted therapeutic care and education provider throughout the UK. We trust our staff to help support and nurture our young people to have the best outcomes.

Our difference is that we believe in a holistic approach: that the smallest details can mean a world of difference to a vulnerable young person.

We sweat the small stuff.

Galston, East Ayrshire

From £34,976 to £37,447 OTEplus overtime at time and a half

The Greenleaf Team

We’re looking for people to join our team who share our beliefs. We want team members who'll never give up on our young people, who are compassionate and who believe that our young people deserve the best we cangive them.

We specialise in solo placements for young people in care up to the age of 21 and adopt atherapeutic, trauma-informed approach to care. In our work, we uphold

Greenleaf’s values of Integrity, Compassion, Excellence,Collaboration, and Respect.

If it’s your ambition to create a future filled with hope and optimism for our young people, we would love to hear from you.

Visit our website for more info:

Role Overview

You will be part of aunique team who will work together to facilitate excellent practice and shape the development of our Service.

Note:
This role involves completing 14-hour shifts followed by a 10-hour sleepover. This is a 2 day on, 3 day off shift pattern.

We look after children and young people from a variety of backgrounds, who have experienced trauma or adverse life experiences and need specialist therapeutic support in a small residential setting. To succeed in this role, you will be compassionate, patient, nurturing, and therapeutic in your approach to care.

The young people in ourhomes are with us 24/7 and deserve a safe and caring environment wherethey can grow and achieve positive outcomes.

With greater expectations come greater rewards. If you’re selected to become partof the Greenleaf family, you’ll not only enjoy a salary that’shigher that the sector average, but you’ll also enjoy acomprehensive benefits package, including:

• 29 days holiday entitlement, increasing with every two yearsof service
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with a 24/7wellbeing line and free counselling
• Company-funded qualifications and support from an internal assessor – we can deliver SVQ 3 and 4 and HNC in social services
• Health Cash Plan, which includes dental and optical cover, physio therapies, and a 24/7 GP helpline
• Greenleaf For You platform which offers a range ofsavings including discounts, offers, and money back on vouchers
• Progression pathways and opportunities to develop and progress in your career
• Pension scheme with Nest Pensions
• Complementary meals while on shift
• Casual dress code

The ideal candidate will:

• Possess previous experience of working in a residential children’s home.
• Possess an SVQ 3 and HNC in social care or equivalent.
• Demonstrate excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Understand safeguarding and child protection.
• Have the ability to work shifts, including weekends, sleepovers, and long hours.
• Possess a full UK manual driving license and be aconfident driver.
• Understand the behaviours displayed by children andyoung people and be skilled in a range of intervention strategies.
• Be aware of relevant legislation.
• Be trained in or willing to complete training in crisis and physical intervention.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide care and support to our children and young people in accordance with policies and procedures and possess a mindful teamwork approach to therapeutic childcare practice.
• Contribute to the assessment process for young people and the delivery of support programmes.
• Attend planning and review meetings and participate in a keyperson system.
• Ensure quality recording of information in accordance with policies and regulations.
• Work within a shift system including sleepovers.
• Undertake health and safety checks and other safety/security checks as necessary.
• Participate in on-going training and be responsible…