Youth Support Practitioner

Suffolk County Council; Lowestoft; On-site; GBP 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Lowestoft is seeking a Youth Support Practitioner to provide support for vulnerable children aged 11-17. The role involves working as part of a dedicated team to promote the well-being and development of young residents. Candidates should be willing to undertake training and have a valid driving license. This is a permanent contract offering a salary of £32,887 per annum with additional benefits for a rewarding career in social care.

Benefits

Funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Monthly supervision sessions

Career development opportunities

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Willingness to undertake training as required.
• Full and current driving licence with access to personal transport.
• Ability to work fixed shifts.

Responsibilities

• Support vulnerable children and young people with mental health difficulties.
• Promote development within a nurturing environment.
• Safeguard children from health threats.
• Maintain safe and sensitive atmosphere for children.
• Develop relationships with parents and professionals.
• Keep accurate and detailed records.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Empathy

Record Keeping

Job description

Overview

Suffolk County Council is looking for passionate Youth Support Practitioners to join our team at Lowestoft Children's Home. The home provides care and accommodation for up to 6 children aged 11 to 17, of any sex, and aims to support their education, health, social development and wellbeing in a safe, nurturing environment.

Salary: £32,887 per annum (pro rata for part time) which includes a salary of £28,598 plus 15% unsociable hours allowance £4,289 (pro rata for part time). An hourly rate of £17.04 (this includes the hourly rate of £14.82 plus the 15% unsociable hours allowance). You will be required to undertake rostered sleep-in duties, for which you will receive the national minimum wage for the hours you are rostered to sleep, in addition to your salary. Hours: 37 or 18.5 hours per week. Contract: Permanent.

Your role and responsibilities

• Work as part of a dedicated team to provide day-to-day support for vulnerable children and young people with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties, including those who have experienced trauma and may display high-level challenging behaviours.
• Promote the development of children and young people within the environment.
• Safeguard all children from threats to their health and welfare.
• Maintain a safe and sensitive atmosphere that meets the needs of the children.
• Develop and maintain good relationships with parents, social workers, teachers and other professionals.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records.
• Deliver effective communications within the Home and with outside agencies and the community.
• Assist in planning and implementing care plans for children in collaboration with other professionals.
• Administer children\'s medication in accordance with procedures.
• Attend and participate in team meetings and supervisions.

Requirements

• A willingness to undertake training as required to update knowledge and skills.
• To hold a full and current driving licence and have access to personal transport or meet the mobility requirements of the role through other reasonable means.
• Ability to work fixed shifts.

Working pattern

• The home operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Fixed shifts: 7am–6pm, 11am–11pm, and 5pm–11pm with sleep-in duty.
• Consistent staffing to provide stability for the children.
• Shift rota helps in planning and implementing effective care plans.
• Structured rota with some flexibility to accommodate staff needs.

Benefits

• Funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
• Monthly supervision sessions.
• Excellent benefits package and opportunities for career development.
• You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx).

The team

At Lowestoft Children\'s Home, you\'ll join a dedicated team providing round-the-clock care for up to 6 children and teenagers aged 8–17. The team collaborates to create a safe, structured, and nurturing environment where young residents can thrive.

Equality, safeguarding and application information

We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups underrepresented in the organisation. 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.

For informal chat, contact Louisa Nimmo, Residential Manager, on 01502 674845.

How to apply: read the Job and Person Profile, then apply online and upload a supporting statement (max 400 words per question).

Important dates

• Closing date: 11.30pm, 12 October 2025
• Interview date: 22 October 2025

Additional information

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. The council offers flexible working options and aims to support individual needs. For more information please visit the Suffolk County Council careers website.