Senior Youth Practitioner - Residential & Outreach Leader

Dorset Council; Wakeham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorset Council is seeking a Senior Youth Practitioner to support Harbour East, focusing on preventing care escalation, improving outcomes for looked-after children, and strengthening family-based care paths. You will supervise residential and outreach work, apply trauma-informed and restorative approaches, and work closely with the Deputy Manager to reduce placement breakdowns.

The role requires leadership, resilience, and a commitment to continuous professional development within a supportive

Qualifications

• Ability to build strong relationships with children, young people and families.
• Experience delivering trauma-informed care and restorative practice.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends and sleep-ins as required.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-the-ground support and drive change in local placements for Harbour East.
• Supervise and direct residential and outreach processes with evidence-based models.
• Collaborate with Deputy Manager to oversee care for young people and families.
• Work with partner agencies to improve social work practice and decision making.

Skills

Empathy and listening

Relationship-building

Resilience

Solution-focused approach

Flexible working

Education

QCF Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care

Job description

Dorset Council is seeking a Senior Youth Practitioner to support Harbour East, focusing on preventing care escalation, improving outcomes for looked-after children, and strengthening family-based care paths. You will supervise residential and outreach work, apply trauma-informed and restorative approaches, and work closely with the Deputy Manager to reduce placement breakdowns.

The role requires leadership, resilience, and a commitment to continuous professional development within a supportive