Are you someone who enjoys activities such as football, basketball, fishing, the gym, boxing, gaming, swimming, video editing, cooking, or other hobbies and activities you could share with young people?
We are looking for resilient, caring people who can use their interests to build positive relationships, encourage engagement, and make a real difference in children’s everyday lives.
Please note: We are engaging with Direct applicants only. We kindly ask agencies not to approach as they will not be responded to.
We offer a starting salary of £27,330 per year, along with an average extra boost of up to £2,100* per year for sleep-ins when needed, as well as further benefits listed below.
Interviews can be arranged imminently
At Able Health Care, we provide safe, therapeutic homes for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD) and complex needs. Guided by our Secure Base model and our values — Aspire, Belong, Love, Empower (A-B-L-E) — we create nurturing environments where children feel safe, valued, and able to thrive.
We are looking for resilient, caring, and enthusiastic people to join our team of Residential Childcare Practitioners in Leiston. You’ll help children find stability, build trusting relationships, and develop the skills and confidence they need for brighter futures. This role can be challenging, but it is always meaningful and you’ll be fully trained and supported to succeed.
A Day in the Life of a Residential Childcare Practitioner
You might begin your shift supporting a young person through their morning routine, helping them regulate emotions and prepare for school. Later, you could encourage positive choices on a walk, support a child to manage feelings of frustration or anxiety, or celebrate progress when they achieve a personal goal. Evenings might include helping with homework, joining in a football kickabout, or simply listening when a young person needs someone they can trust.
Every day brings challenges, but also opportunities to change a child’s story for the better.
Your Role Will Include
- Supporting children with EBD to develop coping strategies, life skills, and resilience
- Providing consistent care, structure, and clear boundaries in line with care and behaviour support plans
- Using trauma-informed approaches to manage behaviour safely and positively
- Acting as a positive role model and creating a safe, stable, nurturing home environment
- Working closely with colleagues, families, schools, and professionals to meet each child’s needs holistically
- Recording, safeguarding, and care planning in line with Ofsted requirements
- Supporting daily routines, household tasks, and activities that promote wellbeing and independence
What We’re Looking For
- Compassionate, resilient people who genuinely want to support children with complex needs
- Experience with children or young people is desirable — but we welcome applicants with transferable skills from care, education, or similar sectors
- Confidence in managing challenging behaviour calmly and consistently
- Commitment to safeguarding and keeping children safe at all times
- A valid driving licence is preferred
Training & Development
Under Regulation 32 of the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, staff must have the appropriate skills and qualifications for their role. You don’t need the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare to join us — but you must be willing to work towards it (and we’ll fully fund and support you to achieve it within two years).
We invest in you through:
- A full, structured induction
- Ongoing training, reflective practice, and supervision
- Therapeutic development based on our Secure Base model
- Career progression opportunities within a growing organisation
What We Offer
- Enhanced DBS check (paid for) and annual reimbursement for Update service subscription.
- Employee Assistance & Wellbeing Programme (24/7 confidential counselling, advice, and support)
- Employee discounts at hundreds of UK companies with Blue Light Card and an additional discount scheme
- Company pension
- Casual dress
- Free meals while on shift
- Free parking
- Our starting salary is £27,330 and you can earn an extra boost for sleep-ins (£45 per night) when needed
Please note
We are unable to offer visa sponsorship. All applicants must be able to evidence their right to work in the UK.
Apply Today
If you’re ready to start a rewarding career where every day you can make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Join us at Able Health Care and help provide children with the safe, nurturing home they deserve.
*Average salary based on starting wage of £13.14 per hour and average sleep-in boost, based on one sleep per week (not guaranteed), at £45 per sleep. Salary negotiable depending on experience.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £13.14-£14.03 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Leiston IP16: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- We are unable to offer Visa Sponsorship.
Do you require Visa Sponsorship?
YES or NO
Experience:
- working with children: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (preferred)
- Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Location:
Work Location: In person
