Hours: Full-time (36 hours per week) or Part-time (24 hours per week)

About the Role

Search & Selection UK is recruiting for a Therapeutic Support Practitioner to join an established children’s residential home in South West London.

The home provides a safe, supportive and therapeutic environment for up to six young women aged 13–17, helping them overcome challenges, develop independence and build positive futures.

This is an excellent opportunity for a compassionate, dedicated individual who is passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable young people.

Working within a supportive team, you will deliver person-centred, trauma-informed care, building positive relationships and helping young people develop the confidence, resilience and practical skills they need to thrive.

Key Responsibilities

As a Therapeutic Support Practitioner, your responsibilities will include:

• Building safe, positive and trusting relationships with young people.
• Providing regular one-to-one keywork sessions and individualised emotional support.
• Supporting young people’s emotional wellbeing, personal development and resilience.
• Encouraging engagement with education, training and positive daily routines.
• Helping young people develop essential life skills, including cooking, budgeting, self-care and healthy relationships.
• Supporting attendance at appointments, community activities and social opportunities.
• Encouraging participation in sports, hobbies, creative activities and cultural experiences.
• Promoting healthy lifestyles, independence and positive decision-making.
• Advocating for young people and ensuring their wishes, feelings and views are heard.
• Supporting the development and implementation of individual care plans, pathway plans and risk assessments.
• Responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns, challenging behaviours and difficult situations.
• Using trauma-informed approaches, de-escalation techniques, restorative conversations and positive reinforcement.
• Maintaining accurate records, daily observations and incident reports.
• Working collaboratively with managers, therapists, social workers, families and other professionals.
• Participating in team meetings, supervision and ongoing professional development.

About You

We are looking for someone who is genuinely passionate about supporting children and young people and committed to providing high-quality, therapeutic care.

Essential Requirements:

• Experience working directly with children or young people, or within social care, education or healthcare.
• A good understanding of safeguarding and the challenges faced by young people in care.
• Ability to remain calm, resilient and professional when managing challenging situations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to produce clear, accurate written records and reports.
• A compassionate, patient and non-judgemental approach.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Willingness to embrace trauma-informed approaches and engage in ongoing professional development.

Desirable Experience and Qualifications:

• Previous experience working in a children’s residential home.
• Experience supporting young people with complex emotional, behavioural or additional needs.
• Knowledge of therapeutic and trauma-informed care approaches.
• Understanding of child sexual exploitation (CSE), child criminal exploitation (CCE), domestic abuse and other safeguarding risks.
• Experience contributing to care planning, goal setting and recording outcomes.
• Familiarity with ClearCare or similar case management systems.
• A relevant Level 3 or Level 4 qualification in Health & Social Care, Children & Young People or a related field.

Salary, Benefits & Career Development

The position offers a salary of £29,600 per annum, increasing to £32,500 upon completion of the Level 4 Diploma.

Additional benefits include:

• Fully funded Level 4 Children, Young People & Family Practitioner Diploma.
• £1,500 in qualification-related bonuses, paid at £100 for each of the 15 completed Level 4 Diploma units.
• Travel-to-work support.
• Company pension.
• Staff wellbeing fund and health and wellbeing programme.
• Paid training and ongoing professional development.
• Overtime opportunities.
• Discounted or free food.
• Casual dress.
• Part-time opportunities with the potential to increase to full-time following probation.

Working Hours

• Full-time: 36 hours per week.
• Part-time: 24 hours per week.
• Shift work, including weekends.
• Six-month probationary period.
• Permanent employment.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to develop a rewarding career within a therapeutic children’s residential environment, where your work will have a direct and meaningful impact on young people’s lives.

With funded qualifications, structured professional development and opportunities for salary progression, this role is suited to individuals who want to grow their careers while helping vulnerable young people achieve positive outcomes.

Apply Today

If you are a compassionate, resilient and motivated individual who is passionate about supporting young people, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today through Search & Selection UK to find out more about this Therapeutic Support Practitioner opportunity in Wandsworth.

Help make a lasting difference in the lives of young people while developing your career in therapeutic residential childcare.