Youth Support Practitioner

Suffolk County Council are looking for a Youth Support Practitioner to join the team at Alexandra House Children’s Home.You will join us on a full time, permanent basis 37 or 18.5 hours per week. In return, you will earn a competitive salary of £30,384 per annum (pro rata if part time) which includes a salary of £26,421 plus 15% unsociable hours allowance £3,963 (pro rata if part time) plus a payment at minimum wage for any sleep-in duties performed as part of your rota

Why work in residential care? 

“Everyday is different working in a children’s home. Whether it’s preparing the children for their school day or taking them out on a fun activity each day you help create happy memories which the children can take forward into their adult lives” 

About the Youth Support Practitioner role:

As a Youth Support Practitioner, Suffolk County Council will provide you with a fully funded Level 3 Diploma in residential Child Care, to be completed within 2 years of employment required by Ofsted. This qualification will also enable you enhance your career development into potential senior roles.

The home also welcome applications from candidates who hold a suitable practitioner level qualification at Level 3 or equivalent experience in a relevant area. 

Alexandra House Children’s Home is mixed gendered, 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're 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:  

• are able to 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 feel welcome, cared for, safe and happy.  
• are able to 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 be 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 wellbeing but directly affects the experience of the children and young people within our care.

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.

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).

We 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.

Benefits you'll receive as our Youth Support Practitioner: 

• 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!

Closing date: 11.30pm, 5 April 2024.

Interview date: Week commencing 8 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.