Youth Practitioner

Dorset Council; St Leonards; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded professional training

Career progression opportunities

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Dorset Council is seeking a Youth Practitioner to support young people on the edge of care or in foster placements. You will provide direct care in residential settings and community-based interventions, building relationships and delivering tailored support to help young people thrive.

Role requires evenings, weekends and sleep-in duties, with a 37-hour week and travel. Dorset offers funded training and clear progression routes within a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Hold or be willing to gain a QCF Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (or equivalent) and commit to ongoing development.
• Full-time role, 37 hours per week, with significant travel and a vehicle as required.
• Experience or willingness to deliver safeguarding, trauma-informed care and behaviour management.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care in residential settings and community-based interventions for at-risk young people.
• Build relationships, deliver tailored support, and develop life skills for independence.
• Support evenings, weekends and sleep-in duties to ensure consistent care.

Skills

Resilience

Empathy

Relationship-building

Flexible working

Sleep-in duties

Education

QCF Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care

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.

Further Information

This is a full time role at 37 hours per week.

This post requires significant travel. You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed.

This post involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them. It will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. See our policy on the employment of ex-offenders.

See our policy on safeguarding children and young

About Us

At Dorset Council, it's not just about the work we do, it's about how we do it. Hear directly from our employees about what makes Dorset Council special in this short video:

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