Youth Practitioner

Dorset Council UK; Ringwood; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorset Council UK is hiring a Youth Practitioner to provide direct care in residential and community settings, supporting young people on the edge of care or in foster placements. You will build meaningful relationships, deliver tailored support, and help develop life skills to enable resilience and positive outcomes.

The role includes safeguarding, trauma-informed care, and behaviour management, with access to ongoing training and progression routes to senior practitioner roles.

Qualifications

• Hold or be willing to gain QCF Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (or equivalent).
• Commitment to continuous development and training.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care within residential settings and community-based interventions for young people on the edge of care or in foster placements.
• Build relationships, deliver tailored support, and foster life skills to help young people thrive.
• Participate in safeguarding, trauma-informed care, and behaviour management.
• Engage in monthly supervision and ongoing training to support professional growth.

Skills

Empathy

Relationship building

Trauma-informed care

Behaviour management

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Childcare

Level 4 Therapeutic Certificate in Childcare

Job description

Do you have a passion for supporting young people to achieve the best possible outcomes in life? Are you ready to make a real difference by helping prevent care escalation, placement breakdowns, or facilitating placement step-downs? Join us as a Youth Practitioner, where every day is an opportunity to inspire, support, and empower.

As part of a dynamic team, you’ll provide direct care within residential settings and community-based interventions for young people on the edge of care or in foster placements. You’ll play a vital role in building relationships, delivering tailored support, and fostering life skills that equip young people to thrive.

Dorset has a comprehensive training programme which supports your professional growth and development. Whether you're experienced or just starting out, we will equip you with the skills, confidence, and qualifications to succeed.

We invest in your long-term development with a training offer that’s comprehensive, accredited, and tailored to you:

Professional Qualifications

• fully funded Level 3 Diploma in Childcare or the nationally recognised Level 4 Therapeutic Certificate in Childcare
• support with Maths & English if needed

Core skills & induction

• structured onboarding programme to help you settle in
• safeguarding, trauma-informed care, and behaviour management
• first aid and health & safety

Ongoing development

• monthly reflective supervision and peer learning
• access to e-learning, workshops, and specialist courses
• specialist training in therapeutic care and attachment
• deep dive into child development and neurodiversity

Career Progression

• clear routes to Senior Youth Practitioner and Team Leader roles
• leadership programmes, coaching, and mentoring

We’re Looking For Someone Who

• Is resilient, empathetic, and skilled in forming meaningful connections with young people and families.
• Can deliver proactive, solution-focused interventions while celebrating individuality and diversity.
• Thrives in a flexible role that includes evenings, weekends, and sleep-in duties, ensuring consistent support.

You’ll need to hold or be willing to gain a QCF Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (or equivalent) and have a commitment to continuous development.