We are offering an additional retention payment of £3,000 to eligible residential practitioners for the period 1 December 2023 to 30 November 2024, subject to normal tax and national insurance deductions. For employees joining us after 1 December 2023 the payment will be adjusted on a pro rata basis.
As a Senior Practitioner you relish the opportunity to transform the lives of children and young people who are looked after, by leading a team of dedicated practitioners giving the best possible care every day.
It’s about more than managing daily routines in the children’s home, you will inspire your team to play a vital part in each child’s journey towards adulthood and independence. Your support can be life changing for the young people in your care. It is rewarding work, as well as energetic and at times challenging.
It’s an exciting time to join Leeds City Council’s children’s services, rated outstanding by Ofsted at our last inspection. We are significantly investing in our children’s residential care across Leeds, including care for young people with disabilities, so this could be your next step up to a fulfilling career with us.
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
As a Senior Practitioner you will bring to the role:
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Child Care (or equivalent)
- QFC Leadership Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services Level 5, or commitment to achieving the qualification within a specified time (funded by us)
- understanding of child and adolescent development
- knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and guidance
- experience supporting children or young people with additional emotional/behavioural issues – this may be from employment, volunteering, student placements or personal life
- experience supervising staff and managing their development and training
About the role
As our next Senior Practitioner, you’ll be part of a supportive team which has your wellbeing and professional development at heart.
You will bring patience, resilience and emotional intelligence to connect with and inspire the vulnerable children and young people in your care. You will lead your team with confidence and liaise effectively with other professionals and all stakeholders.
What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
- a competitive salary plus enhancements for nights and weekends
- generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holiday allowance
- a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities, including support to study for relevant qualifications
- membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
- a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
How to apply
Please upload your CV and complete a personal statement of no more than 500 words. Please ensure that your full employment history is covered in your CV.
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 email workinginchildrenshomes@leeds.gov.uk.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s barred list will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is ranked 70 on the Stonewall Equality Index 2022. 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.