Location
London

Hours
Flexible casual shifts available across weekdays, evenings, weekends and waking nights to provide cover during staff absences (24/7 service). Please indicate your preferred days/times in your application.

Salary
£18.84 per hour plus Sleeping-In Allowance of £43.12

About the Role
Southwark Council is seeking passionate and dedicated Children’s Residential Practitioners (Casual) to join our team and make a real difference. This is a unique opportunity to be part of Southwark’s first council-run children’s home — a safe, therapeutic and nurturing environment designed to give children stability, care and opportunities to flourish. As a Children’s Residential Practitioner, you will support children through their everyday routines, from school runs to winding down at night. You will build positive, trusting relationships that support emotional wellbeing and independence, supervise family time, prepare meals, and accompany children to appointments and activities. You will work flexibly to provide cover during staff absences and be part of a dedicated team supported by experienced leaders and our in-house clinical team. This role offers the chance to help shape the culture and practice of a brand-new service from the ground up, creating a stable and positive experience for children at a crucial point in their lives.

Additional Information
This post requires a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at Enhanced - Adults' and Children's (Barred) level. Internal staff need permission from their line manager and head of service to apply. We offer ongoing training and professional development, a supportive and inclusive team culture, family-friendly policies including flexible working and home working, and a local government pension scheme.

Experience
Experience in residential childcare, youth work or a similar field is desirable, but a strong desire to develop in this area is also welcomed.

About you
You will have compassion, resilience and a genuine passion for improving children’s lives. You should be able to create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, heard and valued. Flexibility and reliability to work shifts that fit the needs of a 24/7 service are essential. Strong teamwork skills and the ability to build meaningful relationships with children, families and professionals are required.

Qualifications
Please refer to the detailed job description and person specification for full qualifications and requirements.