Full time £30,825 - £35,745 per annum (1 Atypical)

Part time (17 hours) £31,364 – £36,648, pro rata, per annum (2 Atypicals)

About the Role

Do you want to make a real difference to the lives of Children and Young People in Solihull?

Solihull Childrens Services have an exciting new opportunity for a team of enthusiastic and passionate Children and Young People's Senior Care Practitioners to join us as we launch three small (3 bed) children’s residential homes, the first of which is due to open in Spring 2024.

Whether you are already working as a Senior Care Practitioner, or you are an experienced Care Practitioner looking to take the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you.

We will provide a comprehensive induction and training in the run up to the opening of these homes, and where the desired, the opportunity to undertake a funded Level 5 Diploma in Residential Childcare, to enable you to join us in our commitment to deliver the highest quality Children’s Home for our children and young people.

Here in Solihull, Children’s Services is our top priority within our Council Plan and we are placing children at the heart of all that we do. In this highly rewarding role, you will relish the opportunity to lead a team of Residential Care Practitioners, to make a life-changing difference to children, young people and their families within Solihull. By providing them with a safe, stable, supportive and stimulating environment, you will help to create a strong foundation for a brighter future.

With guidance and support from our Registered Managers, as well as managing daily routines, you will also lead and inspire your team of Care Practitioners to act as role models to our children and young people. You will assist our Care Practitioners to address challenges, build the children’s resilience and go above and beyond to play a vital part in each child’s journey to adulthood,

Our Current Opportunities

We want the best for our children, and we recognise to prioritise our children’s care we must also prioritise the wellbeing of those caring for them.

So, we have developed weekend and weekday only, predictable shift patterns to allow our staff the ability to maintain a good work life balance.

Our current opportunities are:

• Full time, working Monday, Wednesday, Friday one week, and Tuesday and Thursday the following week. This role includes Sleeps.
• Part time, 17 hours per week, working Saturday one week and Sunday the next. This role includes Sleeps.

Please indicate which opportunity you wish to be considered for within your application.

Additional payments will be made for Sleeps (current rate is £40.76).

Our Offer to You

• A funded Level 5 qualification in Residential Childcare
• Competitive pay
• A clear career pathway
• Access to our Local government pension
• 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days after 5 years of service, and the opportunity to buy up to 10 days of additional leave per year
• Quality training and coaching via our Children's Social Care Academy to support your CDP
• Our Employee Assistance Programme – a 24 hour independent, free and confidential advice and support service
• Family and carer friendly policies
• Many other employee benefits including staff discounts, subsidised travel passes and Cycle 2 Work Scheme.

About You

You will hold a Level 3/4 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent e.g., NVQ Level 3/4 Health and Social Care, Level 3/4 Children and Young People Workforce Diploma etc), but there will also be the opportunity to work towards a Level 5 Diploma in Residential Childcare, as funded by us, should you wish.

You will have experience of direct work with children and young people within an Ofsted registered residential care setting, including supporting children and young people with emotional behavioural difficulties, and deescalating challenging behaviour.

You will also need experience of leading, supporting and motivating a team throughout a shift, and a positive attitude to problem solving.

A great team player, displaying great self-awareness and excellent communication skills, you will have the ability to engage and build strong relationships with our children and young people and your staff team alike.

And you will have a passion for learning, reflection and growth within this role; striving to deliver a high-quality service and demonstrating a continued commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of our children and young people.

Experience and knowledge of safeguarding children and young people and a good understanding of The Children’s Home Regulations 2015 are also essential.

This post also carries essential car user status, therefore you must be able to drive, have a driving licence and have access to a car, however for disabled applicants, reasonable adjustments will be made where required.

About us:

At Solihull Council, we pride ourselves on being a Council that is small enough to care, but big enough to make a difference.

We place children and young people at the heart of all we do to enable them to achieve their potential and lead fulfilling lives. This means our workforce needs to be effectively led, supported, and well trained. It’s our aim to offer high-quality support and guidance to all team members. This includes supporting you, as you support others in the team.

We also have a strong culture of child-focused practice. This means transparency, cooperation, and a real commitment to the young people we will care for.

Why not find out more about these opportunities by popping along to meet one of the team. No need to book, just turn up:

When: Wednesday 22 November 2023, 10.30am – 2.30pm

Where: The Core (in the foyer), Solihull town centre

Or to apply, please click on the link.

If you have a specific question regarding this post, please contact Chantelle Bevan, Business Support Lead on chantelle.bevan@solihull.gov.uk.

Interviews will be held on 11 – 14 December 2023.

Please note, we are not accepting CVs for this opportunity.

This post is subject to compliance checks in line with Schedule 2 requirements for working in a children’s home, including a pre-employment medical check.

This post will also require a DBS check.

This post is covered by the Fluency Duty, as outlined in the Code of Practice on the English language requirements for public sector workers.

Solihull Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.

Solihull Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Supporting documents
Job Description & Person Specification