Specialist Practice Lead - Childrens Homes

Specialist Practice Lead - Children's Residential Service

Join us in transforming residential care for children and young people.

At Wakefield Council, we are committed to ensuring that our children and young people receive the very best care, support and opportunities to thrive. We are looking for an exceptional Specialist Practice Lead to help shape and develop outstanding practice across our children's residential homes.

About the Role

This is a unique opportunity to play a strategic and operational leadership role across our residential children's homes service. As Specialist Practice Lead, you will be responsible for driving excellence in practice, workforce development and quality assurance across the residential estate.

Working closely with Registered Managers and senior leaders, you will:

• Lead the development of residential practice and workforce capability.
• Design, deliver and evaluate impactful training programmes.
• Embed trauma-informed, therapeutic and child-centred approaches.
• Support quality assurance, self-evaluation and regulatory compliance.
• Coach, mentor and develop managers and residential staff.
• Help create a culture of continuous learning, reflection and improvement.
• Support recruitment, retention and progression of residential staff.
• Champion outstanding outcomes for children and young people.

About You

We are seeking a passionate and experienced residential childcare professional who combines strong practice expertise with the ability to inspire and develop others.

You will have:

Essential

• Level 3 Diploma in Children's Residential Care (or equivalent).
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare, or willingness to achieve this qualification.
• Significant experience working directly with children and young people in residential care.
• Experience of supervising and developing staff.
• Experience delivering and designing training programmes.
• Excellent knowledge of residential childcare legislation, regulations and practice standards.
• Strong expertise in trauma-informed practice, attachment and behavioural support strategies.
• A full driving licence and willingness to travel across services.

Desirable

• Previous experience leading residential teams at management level.
• Experience as a Registered Children's Home Manager or evidence of meeting OFSTED fit person requirements.
• Accredited trainer status in recognised therapeutic practice models.

What You'll Bring

You will be:

• A confident and credible practice leader.
• Passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people.
• Skilled at coaching, supporting and motivating others.
• An excellent communicator with high levels of emotional resilience.
• Committed to inclusion, restorative practice and continuous improvement.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to influence practice across a large and ambitious residential service, helping to shape the future of children's residential care in Wakefield. You'll work alongside committed professionals who are passionate about delivering safe, nurturing and ambitious homes where children can thrive.

If you are ready to use your expertise to develop others, drive excellence and make a lasting difference to children's lives, we'd love to hear from you.

Safeguarding

Wakefield Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and all appropriate pre-employment checks.