Leeds City Council
Residential Practitioner
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Post Available: Residential Practitioner
Salary & Contract
C1 £28,598 - £31,022 (pro rata), plus weekend enhancements, sleep-in allowance, and unsocial hours pay where applicable
- Contract: Permanent
- Hours: Various (part-time, full-time, or waking/sleep-in shifts depending on role)
- Location: Leeds (city-wide)
Job Overview
Leeds City Council is seeking compassionate and dedicated Residential Practitioners to support vulnerable children and young people, helping them navigate challenges and achieve independence.
Post Types Available:
We are actively recruiting for all of the following residential care settings:
- Part-time (18.5 hrs): Waking nights duties in homes for young people with complex needs
- Full-time (17.5 hrs): Sleep-in shifts for overnight care support
- Full-time (37 hrs): Mainstream residential homes
Please indicate your preferred service on application. Roles include weekends, on-call duties, and varying shifts to meet service demands.
To learn more about our Child Friendly Leeds vision—where children are safe, happy, and empowered to shape their futures—join us as a Residential Practitioner and contribute to a purposeful, meaningful role.
About the Role
Key Responsibilities
You will be based in one of Leeds City Council’s children’s homes and will:
- Create a safe, loving environment for children and young people
- Build meaningful, trusting relationships through daily routines, shared activities, and clear boundaries
- Guide young people’s personal development, education, and wider learning
With hours offering lifestyle benefits like:
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- Time and a half for weekend shifts
- Pay for sleep-ins and unsocial hours
Supporting children gives incredible job satisfaction, knowing you can make a daily difference. Your contributions also support Leeds’ wider community goals.
About You (Requirements)
Qualifications & Experience
To succeed, you must possess:
- A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent experience)
- (Council will fund this if you lack it; must be completed within 2 years)
- Good literacy, numeracy, and computer skills (evidenced via qualification or assessment)
Essential Criteria
You should demonstrate:
- Recent, relevant experience supporting children/youth with behavioral/emotional needs (paid or volunteer capacity)
- Commitment to working flexibly including:
- Early mornings, late evenings
- Weekends, bank holidays
- Sleep-in shifts and pronaft
- Strong ability to:
- Build relationships with children and groups
- Manage conflict and aggression with de-escalation skills
- Record-keep securely under GDPR guidelines
Cultural Expectations and Values
- Commit to our Leeds Child Friendly ambitions, prioritizing inclusivity and equality
- Anti-discriminatory practice and adherence to Safeguarding protocols
- Physical fitness and readiness for Tactical Crisis Intervention (TCI) techniques
What We Offer
- Competitive salary with enhancements for unsocial hours
- 33 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Career progression and paid professional development (e.g., qualifications and training)
- Individual pension contributions to the West Yorkshire Pension Fund
- Wellbeing benefits designed to enhance overall health
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How to Apply
Application Steps
- Complete the online application form
- Follow our Guidance for Applicants
- A Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check may be required
- Consider our policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders
Application inquiries? Email workinginchildrenshomes@leeds.gov.uk for further details.
*Key Policies
- Right to Work in the UK: Must evidence eligibility or suitability for UK or Irish work visa.
- Ex-Offender Policy: Discretion applies depending on case background.
Equal Opportunities
We actively welcome and encourage applications from:
- Women
- Carers
- Veterans
- LGBT+ individuals
- Ethnic/minoritised applicants
- Disabled candidates
- Care-experienced individuals
The Purpose Behind Your Role
Key Responsibilities in Detail
- Implement care plans, conduct risk assessments, and establish support/wellbeing strategies
- Maintain a safe, stimulating environment supporting children’s physical, emotional, and educational needs
- Encourage real-life independence, respectful boundaries, and local community involvement
- Provide person-centred care, including assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) where needed
- Champion mental health awareness, self-esteem-building, and restorative justice practices
Flexibility and Commitment
All efforts undertaken subject to a flexibility protocol; specific roster arrangements may vary. This role may go beyond stated duties when staffing/operational demands require it.
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