Residential Practitioner - Wightoak Youth Services
Job Posted: 9 March 2026
- Contract Term: Permanent
- Location: Isle of Wight
- Contract Type: Full or part time
- Salary: £12.50ph - Sleep-in shifts paid at your standard hourly rate (not a flat allowance) #worklifebalance
- Industries: Childcare Health & Social Care Social Work
Job Start Date: Subject to satisfactory safer recruitment checks
We’re Hiring
Residential Practitioners – Wightoak Youth Services
At Wightoak Youth Services, we are all about creating opportunities for young people.
We provide supported accommodation for young people aged 16–25 on the Isle of Wight, helping them build the confidence, resilience and life skills they need to move towards independent living.
To do this well, we need great people. People who are positive, supportive and able to build genuine relationships with young people.
If you can bring energy, patience, humour and common sense to your work, we would love to hear from you.
We are currently recruiting Residential Practitioners and are open to discussing full-time, part-time or bank opportunities, depending on availability and the needs of the service.
What does the role involve?
No two days are the same.
Much of the role involves supporting young people with the everyday life skills and guidance they would typically receive in a supportive home environment, helping them prepare for independent living.
This might include:
• Supporting a young person to write a CV or search for jobs
• Encouraging them to cook meals or maintain their living space
• Helping them access education, training or appointments
• Talking through challenges and helping them find positive solutions
• Supporting them to develop confidence and independence
Sometimes this means rolling your sleeves up and getting involved in everyday tasks such as cooking or cleaning alongside young people, helping them learn the skills they will need when living independently.
At times young people may be in crisis. During these moments our team works together to stay calm, de-escalate situations and provide stability and reassurance.
This role can be challenging at times and requires patience, resilience and the ability to stay calm under pressure. It is also incredibly rewarding as you see young people grow in confidence and move forward with their lives.
Success in this role often comes from the small wins. A young person attending an appointment, cooking their first meal, applying for a job, or simply having a positive conversation about their future.
What we’re looking for
We are looking for people who are:
• Great at building rapport
• Self-motivated and positive
• Able to problem-solve and think on their feet
• Comfortable using basic IT systems for recording and communication
• Able to bring energy, patience and humour to the role
• Reliable, grounded and genuinely care about helping young people succeed
Experience working with young people is desirable but not essential. What matters most is your values, willingness to learn and commitment to supporting young people safely and positively.
Staff wellbeing matters here
Supporting young people works best when our staff feel supported too.
At Wightoak Youth Services we actively prioritise staff wellbeing and development.
After successful probation, staff receive access to a health package covering medical, dental, opticians and counselling support.
We also provide training including:
• First Aid at Work
• Mental Health First Aid
• Suicide First Aid
• PRICE Training
Along with reflective practice sessions, team development days and ongoing professional development opportunities.
Corporate gym membership discounts are also available.
Most importantly, you will be part of a supportive, energetic team that genuinely looks out for one another.
Why people enjoy working at Wightoak
Residential work is always a team effort. We support young people best when we support each other too.
At Wightoak, we aim to create a workplace where staff feel valued, supported and able to be themselves. We work hard, we look out for one another and we recognise that humour, encouragement and good teamwork make a real difference on challenging days.
We know this work is important and we believe that a positive team culture and genuine support for staff wellbeing are essential to doing it well.
The kind of people who thrive here
The people who do well in this role are patient, practical and down-to-earth. They are the kind of people who can have a laugh with colleagues, stay calm when things are challenging and genuinely enjoy helping young people move forward in life.
If you are someone who is reliable, compassionate and willing to roll your sleeves up and get involved, you will likely feel right at home here.
Our Values
Respect
Professionalism
Resilience
Kindness
Paying it Forward
What you’ll need
• A full UK driving licence
• Willingness to work evenings, nights and weekends as part of a rota
• A genuine commitment to supporting young people
Interested?
Check out what we have been up to recently on social media:
@wightoakyouth
All applicants must submit a completed application form. We look forward to hearing from you.
Safeguarding and Equality
Wightoak Youth Services is committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding young people. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references and other pre-employment checks in line with safer recruitment guidance.
We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.
Wightoak Youth Services
Wightoak Youth Services provides post-16 residential support for Care Experienced Young People on the Isle of Wight. We support young people to build confidence, develop practical life skills and prepare for independent living. This can include helping with everyday tasks such as managing money, cooking, accessing education or employment, and building positive relationships. Our team works closely with each young person to provide consistent support, encouragement and guidance as they move towards greater independence and a positive future in the community. Working at Wightoak means being part of a supportive team where the work is meaningful, challenging at times, and genuinely rewarding as you see young people grow and succeed.
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