Are you ready to take the next step in your career, supporting children while leading shifts with confidence and care?
At Able Health Care, we provide safe, therapeutic homes for children and young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD) and complex needs. Our homes are guided by our Secure Base model
and our values Aspire, Belong, Love, Empower (A-B-L-E)
and our homes are proud to be rated “Good in all areas” by Ofsted.
We are now seeking a Senior Residential Childcare Practitioners to join our dedicated team of Residential Childcare Practitioners at our home in Leiston. This is a fantastic opportunity to combine direct support for children with the responsibility of guiding staff and ensuring high standards of care on shift.
A Day in the Life of a Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner
You might start your shift by leading handover, allocating responsibilities, and ensuring care plans are followed. Throughout the day you’ll:
- support children in daily routines, school transitions, and activities
- provide guidance to colleagues, role-modelling best practice and trauma-informed care
- respond calmly and consistently to challenging behaviour, promoting safety and stability
- liaise with parents, social workers, and professionals as needed
- maintain accurate records in line with Ofsted standards
- help create a safe, nurturing home environment that promotes belonging and growth
- provide sleep-in cover as part of the rota.
Your Role Will Include
- Acting as the lead worker on shift, ensuring smooth running of the home
- Supporting children to build resilience, life skills, and positive relationships
- Helping implement care plans and behaviour management strategies
- Providing advice, guidance, and encouragement to children in line with our therapeutic ethos
- Supervising, supporting, and motivating colleagues to deliver consistent care
- Contributing to activities, daily structure, and routines that help children feel safe and valued
- Maintaining high standards of safeguarding and regulatory compliance
What We’re Looking For
- Leadership experience working with children or young people in residential or similar care settings is an essential skill for this role.
- Confidence in managing challenging behaviour in a caring, trauma-informed way
- A compassionate and empathetic approach, with resilience to handle demanding situations
- Strong communication skills and the ability to act as a positive role model for staff and children
- A completed Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) is essential for this role
- Applicants must have the right to work in the UK as we are unable to provide visa sponsorship.
Training and Development
At Able Health Care, we want our Seniors to grow into future leaders. You’ll receive:
- A comprehensive induction and ongoing training
- Regular supervision and reflective practice
- Funded support to achieve higher qualifications, including Level 5 Leadership & Management
- Opportunities to progress into Deputy Manager and Registered Manager roles
What We Offer
- Competitive salary with opportunities for overtime
- Sleep-in payments at £45 per night, in addition to salary
- Company pension
- Free meals while on shift
- Free parking
- Casual dress
- Blue Light Card
- Employee Assistance & Wellbeing Programme (24/7 confidential counselling and support)
- Refer a Friend scheme
- Career progression in a growing organisation with family values at its heart
Apply Today
If you’re ready to take on more responsibility while making a lasting difference in children’s lives, we’d love to hear from you.
Join us at Able Health Care and help provide children with the safe, therapeutic home they deserve.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From £15.76 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Referral programme
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Leiston IP16: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship.
Are you seeking Visa Sponsorship?
YES / NO
Experience:
- Residential Childcare: 2 years (required)
- Leadership in a children's setting: 1 year (preferred)
- Leadership: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- full UK Driving Licence (required)
- Level 3 NVQ Children's Residential Care or working toward (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
