Care & Independence Practitioner - Therapeutic Residential Childcare
Dorset | Poole | Somerset
Potential earnings up to £37,500 per annum, including sleep-in payments
One Lily. One Journey.
Build a Career. Change a Life.
Are you compassionate, resilient and looking for a career where you can make a genuine difference?
At Lily Services Group, we are looking for Care & Independence Practitioners to join our growing children’s residential services across Dorset, Poole and Somerset.
Previous experience in childcare or care is helpful, but not essential.
What matters most is your attitude, values and willingness to learn.
If you want to build a meaningful vocation supporting children and young people, we will provide the training, qualifications and development to help you build your future in residential childcare.
At Lily, we believe children and young people deserve consistency, stability and strong relationships throughout their journey.
Our One Lily. One Journey. approach provides a pathway from residential care through to supported accommodation, adulthood and greater independence.
We believe our people should have a journey too.
That is why our Care & Independence Practitioner role has three development levels, allowing you to progress as your skills, experience, qualifications and responsibilities grow.
For those who want to progress further, the pathway can lead into Lead Practitioner, Registered Manager in Training and management opportunities.
The Role
You will be at the heart of everyday life within the home, helping children and young people feel safe, supported and valued.
You will:
Build positive and trusting relationships.
Provide day-to-day care, support and guidance.
Support emotional wellbeing, education and personal development.
Help children develop confidence, resilience and independence.
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
Support safeguarding and risk-management procedures.
Contribute to care plans and accurate records.
Work alongside families, social workers and other professionals.
Support children during challenging situations
Help create a warm, safe and nurturing home environment.
You Don't Need to Know Everything on Day One, We invest heavily in training and development.
If you do not already hold the required qualification, we will support you to complete your Level 3 Residential Childcare qualification, subject to eligibility.
You will also receive training in areas including:
Safeguarding
Therapeutic practice
Trauma-informed care
Child development
Behaviour support and de-escalation
Risk management
Professional boundaries
Care planning and recording
Emotional wellbeing
Independence skills
This training provides the foundation for a long-term professional career in childcare.
Is This You?
You may already have experience in care, education, youth work or another role supporting people.
Or you may be looking to start a completely new career.
We are looking for people who are:
Compassionate and patient.
Reliable and responsible.
Emotionally resilient.
Able to remain calm during challenging situations.
Positive team players.
Willing to learn and accept coaching.
Committed to safeguarding children.
Interested in developing professionally.
Previous experience is welcomed, but your values, attitude and potential are just as important.
Essential Requirements:
A genuine commitment to supporting children and young people.
Willingness to undertake training and professional development.
Good communication skills.
A full UK driving licence.
Ability to work a residential rota including evenings, weekends and sleep-in shifts.
Legal right to work in the UK.
Full five-year checkable employment history.
Build Your Career with Lily
We offer:
Comprehensive paid training.
Level 3 Residential Childcare qualification for eligible staff.
Three levels of Care & Independence Practitioner progression.
Ongoing therapeutic and trauma-informed training.
Coaching and professional development.
Company-funded vocational qualifications, subject to eligibility.
Opportunities to progress into Lead Practitioner and management roles.
Support from experienced managers and senior leaders.
Potential earnings are up to £37,500 per annum, including sleep-in payments, depending on practitioner level, experience, contracted hours and sleep-in shifts.
Benefits:
28 days annual leave including bank holidays, increasing to 32 days with service.
Bupa Health Cash Plan.
Bupa Employee Assistance Programme following probation.
Company sick pay following probation.
Company-funded Blue Light Card following probation.
Employee recognition and referral schemes.
Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy leave.
Regular team and development days.
Food and drink provided while working on shift with children and young people.
A Career That Changes Lives — Including Yours
You don't need years of experience to start building a career in residential childcare.
You need the right values, the willingness to learn and the commitment to be there when children and young people need you.
We'll provide the training, qualifications and development to help you grow.
Additional Information:
Lily Services Group does not currently offer sponsorship for this position.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be able to provide a full five-year checkable employment history.
Appointment is subject to Lily Services Group’s safer recruitment procedures, including enhanced DBS clearance, references and appropriate pre-employment checks.
We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from people who share our commitment to improving the lives of children and young people.
Benefits:
Casual dress
Company pension
Paid training
Referral programme
Sick pay
Education:
GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
Driving Licence and a Car to perform your duties? (required)
