Youth Support Practitioner

Suffolk County Council are looking for a Youth Support Practitioner to join our team at our Lowestoft Children's Home. You will share our values, commitment and motivation to make a difference for our residents, clients, and communities. You will join us on a permanent basis. In return, you will earn a competitive salary of £30,384 per annum (pro rata for part time)

About the Youth Support Practitioner role:

Suffolk County Council is actively seeking a self-driven, flexible, highly motivated, and caring individual to join the team at Lowestoft Children’s Home. 

Lowestoft Children’s Home is mixed-gender, for up to 6 children aged 11 - 17 years old. We provide support for the children in our care to achieve the best possible outcomes in all aspects of their lives, including education, health, and social and fun activities, as well as supporting them to build positive and appropriate relationships. 

What we are looking for in our Youth Support Practitioner:

The home welcomes applications from individuals who are actively seeking opportunities to explore careers within Social Care and individuals who: 

• can bring personality, life skills, and experience to help our children and young people develop, grow and have fulfilling lives 
• will be an integral part of a team that ensures every child and young person who walks through our doors feels welcome, cared for, safe and happy
• can listen to children and families and work collaboratively with them 
• are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people 
• are self-motivated and able to work without constant supervision
• have the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.

To enhance your development, full training will be provided regularly as well as monthly supervision with your line manager to ensure you feel supported within your role. 

In addition to this, the home provides virtual clinical supervision by a seasoned professional. This does not only benefit your personal well-being but directly affects the experience of the children and young people within our care. 

The home welcomes applications from candidates who are already working towards a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Child Care or who hold a suitable practitioner-level qualification at Level 3 or equivalent experience in a relevant area.

Our residential homes are open 365 days a year and you will need the ability to work flexibly (shift work and weekend working are a core part of the role, including bank holidays).

Benefits you'll receive as our Youth Support Practitoner: 

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
• plus more!

Travelling requirements for your role

In this role, you will be required to transport children, so you must either hold a full and current driving licence (or be working towards this) or meet the mobility requirements of the role through other reasonable and suitable means. The Children's Home has access to a pool car for use during your shift, for certain duties that may arise. If you require a reasonable adjustment due to a disability to meet the travel requirements of this role, please speak with the contact detailed below.

We welcome applications from all, but particularly welcome minority ethnic applicants because they are under-represented in this directorate.

We also welcome applications from individuals who are unable to commit permanently to the role and would like to join the team on a casual basis paid at a flat rate of £13.69 per hour.

This role will be worked from a fixed base, listed in the job details above. If you wish to discuss how that might impact your working arrangements, please contact the recruiting manager listed above. #LI-Onsite

You will be required to attend a Warner Interview for this position as part of the recruitment process.

Closing date: 24 March 2024.

Interview date: week commencing, 1 April 2024.

If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this Youth Support Practitioner role, even if you don’t meet all the requirements, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.