Residential Childcare Practitioner

Role Description

Residential Childcare Practitioner

Location: Coylton, KA6

Pay: £27,976 unqualified - £29,036 with an SVQ or HNC - £32,510 with both SVQ & HNC

A full UK driving licence is required and we are unable to offer sponsorship for this vacancy

With Spark of Genius, Every Second Counts

At Spark of Genius, you’re not just working - you’re shaping futures. Furthermore, every moment you spend with our young people helps them to feel safe, valued and supported.

A simple "How was your day?", a shared laugh over a board game or a TV show or encouragement during a tough moment, all these small interactions build trust and shape lives. Some days will be challenging but every breakthrough, every smile and every step forward will remind you why this work truly matters and how you are making a difference.

What will you do?

You will support young people with their daily routines, like ensuring they’re ready for school or college in the mornings, making sure homework is done ready for the next day, coming together at meal times, planning activities and encouraging hobbies and healthy pastimes. You will provide consistent, nurturing, and therapeutic care to our children and young people who have experienced trauma and adversity, building trusting relationships, supporting young people to achieve positive outcomes, and work collaboratively with colleagues and professionals to deliver high-quality, child-centred care.

• Ensure our children receive the highest level of support
• Support senior staff with timely updates 
• Promote individuality NOT a "one size fits all" approach
• Promote independence, life skills, and positive behaviour through therapeutic approaches
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to care planning and risk assessments
• Be part of a warm, homely environment by helping with light housekeeping
• Build strong, meaningful relationships and provide emotional support
• Participate in team meetings, training, and reflective practice sessions
• Plan and join fun activities like trips to the park, popcorn & movie nights or creative projects

New staff must be comfortable using an electronic care recording system on a daily basis to document, monitor, and update children and young people’s records accurately. All staff are expected to confidently use digital systems as part of their day-to-day role.

A little about this home

Woodside Farm is located in the rural village of Coylton in South Ayrshire, close to the seaside towns of Ayr and Prestwick. Our friendly team support our young people to develop strong and positive relationships, to look forward and not back and to prepare for the next steps as they grow.   

We offer our young people support, acceptance, understanding and praise. It’s always a great pleasure when a former resident contacts us to update us on how they are getting on in their life and how well things have panned out for them. It is and always will be a privilege to have been a part of their journey. 

Who are you?

We're looking for people who genuinely care and want to make that difference. You’ll need to be warm, patient, a great listener and be focused on achieving outcomes for others whilst taking pride in knowing you are helping to shape someone's life for the better. We need people who can evidence skills, knowledge and experiences to support young people who have been affected by trauma and may present or express their needs through emotional, social or behavioural distress.

• Previous experience is preferred or maybe you have cared for a friend or family member
• Demonstrate values that align with our therapeutic approach with a genuine desire to make a difference
• Desire to work towards SSSC qualifications and to develop and enhance your skills and knowledge
• Full UK driving licence is essential
• Open to ongoing development and learning with help from your supportive team
• Excellent communication skills both verbally and written
• Someone with the desire to take pride in helping others

Why join us?

• Competitive rates of pay 
• £500 Welcome Bonus on completion of successful probation period
• £1000 Refer A Friend scheme
• Support to progress within the company
• Company pension scheme
• PVG / SSSC costs covered by company
• A genuine home from home with a friendly team

Your Next Step

Simply use the Apply Now button and we will be in touch with you soon, simple as that!

This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to change lives, where every second counts!

Join us and be part of something meaningful.

Safeguarding Statement

CareTech is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children. All applicants must pass a PVG check and provide references covering the past two years and all previous roles involving vulnerable groups.

CareTech Community Services are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader.