Children’s Residential Care Practitioner – Northampton

Dimensions Care is opening a new Crisis and Assessment Centre and we’re looking for committed and compassionate Care Practitioners to join our team. This is a unique opportunity to support young people through short-term, stabilising placements that assess their needs and prepare them for longer-term care. The role includes sleep-in shifts on a rota of 2 days on, 4 days off, offering balance and consistency for both staff and children.

You’ll be working closely with a multidisciplinary team, using the DDP (Dyadic Developmental Practice) model to support children who have experienced trauma, complex behaviours, or instability in previous placements.

We’re looking for people who are:

  • Caring, nurturing, and emotionally available
  • Empathetic and understanding of trauma and individual needs
  • Reflective in their practice and able to support others to do the same
  • Resilient and able to manage behaviours that stem from trauma
  • Reliable, determined, and committed to making a real difference
  • Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)
  • Full UK Driving Licence
  • Minimum 1–2 years of experience working in residential childcare (preferred)
  • Understanding or experience of DDP, PACE, or therapeutic models (preferred)

Our new service, The Haven, is designed to offer short-term therapeutic placements. Young people are referred to us for reasons such as:

  • Placement breakdowns due to high-risk behaviours or unsuitable environments
  • First entry into care where long-term planning is required
  • The need for intensive staffing and support to stabilise behaviours
  • Assessment after a foster care breakdown
  • Therapeutic needs assessment
  • Transition from secure settings into residential living
  • Educational challenges requiring 1:1 tuition assessments

Due to the unique nature of this home, we require practitioners who can:

  • Respond confidently to crisis situations without extended transition periods
  • Build relationships quickly and adapt to a variety of needs and personalities
  • Demonstrate strong recording and reporting skills, including care plans, risk assessments, and tools such as BERRI
  • Work collaboratively with DDP consultants, psychologists, and external professionals
  • Safeguard effectively and manage risk-taking behaviours

The assessment process for each child is informed by:

  • Weekly staff reports and overviews
  • Input from DDP consultants and child psychologists
  • Bi-weekly BERRI reports
  • Multi-agency meetings and care plan reviews
  • Risk impact analysis and future care planning
  • Education and therapeutic needs
  • Safeguard and promote the wellbeing of children at all times
  • Ensure ongoing assessment of each child’s needs in daily practice
  • Promote consistent routines and structured boundaries
  • Lead and manage shifts, including activities, safety checks, and task delegation
  • Uphold company policies and Children’s Homes Regulations
  • Assist with internal quality assurance and external regulatory visits
  • 2-week comprehensive induction with all necessary training
  • Ongoing professional development, including training in the DDP model
  • Regular supervision and leadership support
  • Competitive salary of £32,273 – £34,057 per year
  • Access to pension scheme, life assurance, and sickness bonus schemes
  • Perks including casual dress, free meals, and company events
  • Free parking
  • Health & wellbeing programme
  • Opportunities for progression into leadership

Join a team that’s committed to improving lives and offering every child a chance to grow, thrive, and feel safe.

Careers That Change Lives

Join a team where your work truly matters – providing care, support, and stability to young people who need it most. Build a career that makes a real difference.