Residential Practitioner

About the role

This is a permanent, full-time Residential Practitioner role based in Peckham, supporting children and young people within Southwark Council's children's residential provision. The role centres on creating a person-centred, safe, and nurturing environment, offering bespoke support tailored to each young person's needs.

As a Residential Practitioner, you will develop and implement personalised care plans, offer emotional support, and work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team that includes therapists, teachers, psychologists, and social workers. The aim is to promote well-being and rights, support young people to develop skills and independence, and help them have a positive experience.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing personalised care plans to support the unique needs of each child
• Creating a safe, respectful environment that fosters children's personal growth
• Offering emotional support and guidance to help young people understand and address their behaviours
• Organising and participating in group activities that promote social skills, self-esteem, and positive interactions
• Maintaining accurate records and documentation to track children's progress and ensure compliance with regulations

Shift pattern details are not stated in the advert. Please contact Southwark Council directly for further information on working arrangements.

To apply, click Apply Now. This vacancy is subject to the Council's redeployment arrangements; eligible redeployees will be considered first, and the vacancy may be withdrawn if a suitable redeployee is appointed. The closing date is 27 November 2026 at 23:59, though Southwark reserves the right to close the vacancy early once sufficient applications have been received. You are strongly advised to apply as soon as possible.

About You

Southwark welcomes applications from a wide range of backgrounds. Whether you have recently graduated in psychology, have experience in art or drama therapy, have worked as a youth worker, have lived experience as a care leaver, or bring the skills of a role model from other walks of life, Southwark would like to hear from you.

What matters most is a genuine commitment to children and young people and the resilience to support those who may have experienced significant trauma. The ideal candidate will:

• Hold the Residential Childcare (RCF) Level 3 qualification or an equivalent, or have a commitment to undertaking the relevant course following the probationary period
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of safeguarding principles and their application in a residential setting
• Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills to establish rapport and trust with children and young people
• Be able to handle sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism
• Show patience and resilience when working with individuals exhibiting challenging behaviours

Southwark is committed to making the borough just and fair and takes positive action to tackle inequalities. Applications are particularly welcomed from members of Black, Asian, and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level. Southwark offers guaranteed interviews under its Disability Confident scheme for candidates who meet the minimum requirements and identify as disabled or as having a long-term health condition, are members of the Armed Forces or veterans, or are currently or have previously been in care.

This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with barred list information. Right-to-work checks will be carried out as part of the recruitment process.

Southwark's Offer to You

Southwark is the largest local authority social landlord in London, home to over 18,300 businesses and a young, diverse, and growing population. The Council's Southwark Stands Together programme underpins everything it does, reflecting a council-wide commitment to tackling racial inequality in communities and the workforce.

Residential Practitioners benefit from professional supervision, access to training and development for continuous personal and career growth, and a clear opportunity to advance up the pay scale into a Team Leader role. Benefits include:

• Competitive salary of up to £43,014 per annum
• Access to training and development for continuous personal and career growth
• Opportunity to advance to Team Leader
• Professional supervision
• Fantastic benefits as part of a Local Authority employer