Residential Practitioner - Req24886

Job title:        Residential Practitioner
Salary:           Basic Pay - C1 £26,421 - £28,770 (Average earning including Secure Allowance £32,482.44 - £35,051.04)
Hours:            Average 37 hours per week
Contract:       Permanent
Location:       Adel Beck Secure Children’s Home

Are you passionate about enabling young people to improve their life chances?

Are you resilient and positive, a good listener and a team player?

We are looking for people like you to join our team as a Residential Practitioner.

At Adel Beck we care for 24 young people aged 10 to 18. They are referred to us following court proceedings, being placed on remand or sentenced to a period of detention, or because they need to be placed in secure accommodation for their own safety or the safety of others.

Residential Practitioners have a central role in the daily lives and long-term outlook for the vulnerable young people at Adel Beck, who may have complex needs and display challenging behaviours.

Our goal is to inspire change in attitudes, behaviours, learning and emotions. We want to enable every young person to grow up and make a positive contribution as part of their family and wider community, safe from risk-taking behaviour, exploitation and offending.

We are committed to the ambition of Child Friendly Leeds. We want Leeds to be a city where all children are safe, happy and healthy, do well at school, fulfil their potential and grow up to be active citizens with voice and influence.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

We are looking for experienced, enthusiastic, adaptable candidates with the personal qualities to connect with and inspire vulnerable children and young people. We use a therapeutic model of support and intervention and will provide full training.

You must have: 

• excellent communication and listening skills  
• positivity, resilience and emotional intelligence 
• flexibility to work shifts including weekends, bank holidays and nights 

We expect the following experience and qualifications: 

• good standard of literacy and numeracy
• basic computer literacy
• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Child Care (or equivalent), or commitment to achieving the qualification within a reasonable period (we pay the course fees)
• Experience supporting children or young people with additional emotional/behavioural issues – this may be from employment, volunteering, student placements or personal life 

About the role

As our next Residential Practitioner you’ll play an active role in the daily lives of our young people, using a restorative approach to support them in their personal growth and learning. You’ll be part of a supportive team which has your wellbeing and professional development at heart. There’s no greater job satisfaction than seeing the difference you make every day to the lives and prospects of vulnerable young people.  

You will: 

• help to create a safe, stimulating and caring environment for young people,
• build trusting relationships, understanding young people’s needs and interests,
• provide primary care that is responsive to individual needs,
• manage behaviour and develop strategies for longer term progress,
• plan and organise activities to enhance young people’s experiences day to day and for special occasions,
• nurture each child’s personal development, their education and wider learning. 

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• A competitive salary plus enhancements for sleep-in duties and working weekends,
• Annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays,
• Funding for you to study for relevant qualifications,
• Ongoing training opportunities for you to build the skills you need to do your best for the young people in your care,
• A clear career path for the right candidates through the team structure, with potential for progression into senior practitioner and management roles,
• Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions,
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements,
• A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities,
• A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.

How to apply

Apply for this job online. Please upload your CV and complete a personal statement of no more than 500 words.

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Nabila Morris, Deputy Service Manager. Call 0113 378 3701 or email AdelBeckAdmin@leeds.gov.uk 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. 

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s barred list will be carried out on preferred candidates.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve. Leeds City Council is an Inclusive employer, ranked 70 on the Stonewall top 100 employers 2023 list. We are also an Age friendly employer, a Mindful employer and a Disability Confident leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period. 

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK  - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

Job Description 

Job purpose

Under the direct supervision and guidance of the Senior Residential Practitioner and Team Manager take a lead supportive role in the provision of a safe and secure care service for children and young people that meets with Childrens Homes Regulations, Children’s Homes National Minimum Standards, Youth Justice Standards, Leeds City Council and the homes policies, procedures and guidance. Take an active role in the lives of young people, in assessing their needs and encouraging attitudinal and behavioural change through proactive and positive interaction maintaining a pro-social behaviour, restorative and solution focussed approach. 

Responsibilities: 

• Contribute to the provision of a safe and stimulating environment in which young people can develop and mature. 
• Support young people by showing awareness of their individual interests and preferences, by introducing them to a range of different experiences and enabling them to make informed choices wherever possible.
• Provide primary care on a day to day basis according to the young person’s individual needs and meet occasional needs such as health care appointments. 
• For those young people with disabilities and complex needs, provide appropriate levels of personal care, including bathing, toileting, and dressing, changing and feeding.
• Understand and operate the policies and procedures for the administration of medication including accurately recording and verifying drug sheets.
• Plan and organise activities on a daily basis as well as for special celebrations and festivals. 
• Participate in holidays and a range of sporting and physical activities with children and young people.
• Work directly with young people in accordance with agreed individual programmes and strategies (e.g. anger management, self esteem)
• Manage behaviour in an assertive and positive manner. And as a last resort, be able to safely restrain a young person following appropriate training.
• Support young people to gain the maximum benefit from education
• Support young people when they are transferring to other settings
• Consult in a meaningful way with young people and their families
• Carry out domestic duties to ensure that the home is maintained to a high standard, including some cleaning, cooking meals, laundry, and redecoration.
• Teach young people the skills they will need to live successfully in their own homes.
• Be responsible for preparing, reviewing and amending care plans, risk assessments and maintenance of files and other administrative tasks. 
• Account for young people and departmental monies in accordance with policies and procedures and ensure accurate recording in all transactions.
• Attend and actively participate in meetings. Bring relevant issues to the attention of your manager and colleagues.
• Provide good communication, written and oral.
• Adhere to policies, procedures and team decisions.
• Plan the shift and ensure tasks are completed. Maintain a record of the activities of the shift. Work co-operatively with colleagues to ensure an efficient and effective service.
• To be involved alongside senior managers within the home in planning and organising in the short and long term to provide for the children and young people.
• Produce records on a daily basis to meet statutory and policy requirements.
• Prepare reports for statutory reviews and other meetings.
• Liaise and negotiate with other professional groups involved with young people.
• Contribute to the development of in house policies and procedures.
• Participate in training and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the post.
• To comply with the requirements of all Leeds City Council policies, procedures and staff instructions, including responsibilities under the Health and Safety Policy and Procedures.
• To actively promote and support Leeds City Council's and Departmental Policies on Equal Opportunities and to work in an anti-oppressive manner.

Qualifications

• NVQ/QCF, Health & Social Care (Children & Young People) Level 3 or work towards and achieve within 12 months of appointment.

Essential requirements It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.

• An ability to assess and evaluate the individual needs of young people and their families.
• An ability to work with staff at all levels, working as part of a team and liaising with other professionals.
• Demonstrate written and verbal skills (Written exercise on day of interview)
• The ability to be flexible and to work on a shift basis, including weekends and bank holidays and undertaking sleeping in duties.
• Be able to compile records and reports
• Knowledge Of 1989 Children Act and other legislation.
• Knowledge Of issues relating to Looked after Children.
• Understand the young person’s right to confidentiality.
• Basic computer literacy.
• The minimum qualification for this post is Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce. The Level 3 Diploma is new and replaces the previous Level 3 NVQ.  Please note that existing qualifications are still valid and that staff and managers do not need to retake your qualifications.  If you do not hold this qualification you must be willing to register to commence the course within 3 months of taking up your appointment. 
• Educated to GCSE level or equivalent. 
• Experience Of work in the last year with young people who may have emotional/behavioural difficulties either in a paid or voluntary capacity in a children’s home, social care setting, a school, youth service, or any other service designed to support children and young people.
• An ability to work in a challenging and changing environment.
• Of preparing and writing reports.
• Of handling petty cash transactions
• Committed to continuous improvement.
• Ability to understand and observe the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy.
• To carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under the Council’s Health & Safety Policies.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities to ensure up to date knowledge, skills and continuous professional development.
• Be physically fit enough to carry out all requirements of the post including the use of Safety Intervention (SI) to manage challenging behaviour as required.
• It is a statutory requirement that post holders within a children’s residential establishment is 4 years older than the oldest child/young person. Therefore as Leeds City Councils Children’s residential homes are registered to take children/young people up to the age of 18 it is an essential requirement that anyone applying for this post must be 22 years of age or over.

Essential Behavioural and other Characteristics

• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon.
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities. 
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade. 
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council. 
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.

Desirable requirements It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post.  Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates. 

• An understanding of the Authority, its function and organisation
• Understanding of child and adolescent growth and development in forms of abuse/reasons for care, child protection issues
• Of flexible working in terms of changing hours of work; shifts; areas of work
• Knowledge of the problems of disadvantaged groups.