About Us
The Bristol Care Group is an Ofsted Outstanding organisation with a strong foundation built on the success of our alternative learning provision. Rooted in relational practice and therapeutic principles, we have grown from a single, highly successful therapeutic children’s home to expanding our services so that more young people can receive the care, safety, and stability they deserve.
As we open additional homes, we remain committed to supporting children who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and who present with social, emotional, and behavioural needs. Our mission is to offer environments grounded in healing, curiosity, connection, and opportunity—places where young people feel held, understood, and empowered.
Senior Therapeutic Practitioner – Trauma-Informed Role Profile
At Bristol Care Group, our standard of compassionate excellence forms the foundation of who we are. As a therapeutic children’s home, we are dedicated to creating safe, nurturing spaces where children, young people, and the adults supporting them can grow, heal, and thrive. This commitment to relational practice and trauma-informed care is woven into the DNA of BCG.
Our vision is to be an organisation defined by innovation, therapeutic thinking, and emotional safety—one where children, young people, and staff are supported to reach their full potential. We are highly ambitious in our mission to promote recovery, resilience, and meaningful progress for every young person in our care.
We are seeking a Senior Therapeutic Practitioner who brings empathy, emotional resilience, reflective practice, and strong leadership capabilities. You will play a crucial role in shaping the culture of the home, modelling trauma-informed approaches, and offering stability and guidance to both young people and the staff team.
The successful candidate will demonstrate attuned interpersonal skills, creativity, and the ability to hold young people through times of emotional complexity or crisis. You will understand the importance of consistency, boundaries, curiosity, and therapeutic presence—and you will be committed to following thoughtful procedures that promote safety, predictability, and healing.
Bristol Care Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to uphold this responsibility and share our commitment to inclusion. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups, including those of diverse ethnicities, genders, trans identities, ages, abilities, sexual orientations, and religions.
Purpose of the Role
● To ensure the emotional, physical, and developmental needs of young people are met through consistent, trauma-informed, relationship-based practice.
● To provide leadership, guidance, and therapeutic modelling to Residential Support Workers, ensuring high standards of care within the home.
● To work collaboratively with the Children’s Home Manager and Deputy to support the smooth, reflective, and effective running of the home.
● To contribute to care planning, keywork, reflective practice sessions, and therapeutic interventions to support young people to achieve positive outcomes.
● To act as a stable, regulated, and trusted adult for young people—promoting safety, connection, and healing.
Essential Skills & Experience
● NVQ3/QCF Level 3 in Children & Young People, Residential Childcare or equivalent.
● Minimum of 2 years’ direct experience working with young people with complex needs, trauma histories, or behaviours that challenge.
● Commitment to begin the Level 5 Diploma within 6 months (unless already qualified), post-probation.
● Strong desire to continue professional growth with a view to progressing into leadership roles.
● Experience working with external professionals, families, and multi-agency networks.
● Skilled in attending and contributing to reviews, meetings, and planning discussions.
● Experience in supporting or guiding staff teams, ideally within a residential or therapeutic setting.
● Ability to model high-quality practice, reflective thinking, and trauma-informed responses.
● Understanding of the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, and Ofsted expectations.
● Ability to work with autonomy, show initiative, and maintain high levels of accuracy in recording and reporting.
● Strong interpersonal, communication, and relational skills, with the ability to build trust and co-regulate young people.
● Ability to complete daily records and documentation in line with statutory requirements.
● Willingness to work a two-on, four-off rota pattern.
● Warmth, empathy, patience, and an attuned approach to supporting young people.
● Excellent IT skills.
● Full manual driving licence (essential).
Why Join Us?
● Competitive salary
● Access to wellbeing and therapeutic support benefits
● support from a highly experienced and empathetic managment and leadership team
● Enhanced overtime and bank holiday pay
● Genuine career development and progression pathways
● Opportunities for therapeutic training, reflective practice, and professional growth
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £15.00-£16.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee mentoring programme
- Gym membership
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
- Store discount
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
- Residential Childcare: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Level 3/4 working with children and young people QCF (required)
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
