Youth Support Practitioners

SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL; Stowmarket; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 29 days annual leave (pro rata)

LGPS pension

Health and wellbeing benefits

Training and career development

Flexible working options

Career progression opportunities

Staff networks

Volunteer days

Job summary

Suffolk County Council in Stowmarket is seeking Youth Support Practitioners to provide around-the-clock care for up to five children aged 11–17. You will work in a warm, home-like setting, build relationships, and help residents develop independence.

The role includes fixed shifts and sleep-in duties, with a pro rata annual salary of £33,973.30 and a 15% unsociable hours allowance. We offer extensive benefits, training funded by the council, and opportunities for professional development within

Qualifications

• Willingness to undertake training to update knowledge and skills.
• Hold a full and current driving licence or have mobility alternatives.
• Ability to work fixed shifts and sleep-in duties as required.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day support to vulnerable children with emotional, social and mental health needs.
• Build trusting relationships, monitor wellbeing and support personal growth.
• Maintain safe, supportive environment and accurate records.
• Collaborate with parents, social workers, teachers and other professionals.
• Deliver effective communications within the Home and with outside agencies.
• Assist in care plan development and administer children’s medication as required.
• Attend team meetings and supervision sessions.
• Participate in rostered sleep-in duties.

Skills

Driving licence

Fixed shifts

Willingness to train

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Child Care

Job description

You will work as part of a dedicated team to provide day-to-day support for some of the most vulnerable children in the county. You will help children who may experience social, emotional, and mental health difficulties, including those who have experienced trauma and display high-level challenging behaviours. Your role will involve building strong, trusting relationships with young residents, monitoring their wellbeing, and encouraging their personal growth and independence.

You will:

• 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.

You will need:

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

The homes operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, which means:

• fixed shifts with sleep-in duty - rota pattern.
• consistent staffing: Ensures staff are always present during critical times, providing stability for the children.
• meeting individual needs: The rota helps in planning and implementing effective care plans.
• team collaboration: Structured rota allows for effective communication and teamwork.
• flexibility within structure: While the rota is fixed, it strives to offer some flexibility to accommodate staff needs.

The home, a large, detached house with a spacious garden in a pleasant residential area, focuses on building strong, trusting relationships with the children, addressing their social, emotional, and mental health needs, and helping them overcome past traumas. By working closely with parents, social workers, teachers, and other professionals, the team ensures each child's needs are met, and they receive the best possible care and support.

Salary: £33,973.30 per annum (pro rata) which includes a salary (£29,542) plus 15% unsociable hours allowance (£4,431.30) pro rata

• You will be required to undertake rostered sleep in duties. Any such duties are a contractual requirement, for which you will receive national minimum wage for the hours you are rostered to sleep, on top of your salary
• £17.60 hourly rate (this includes the hourly rate of £15.31 plus the 15% unsociable hours allowance)
• Hours: 37 or 18 per week
• Contract: Permanent

At Suffolk County Council, we believe that when our people grow, our communities thrive. That's why we're looking for passionate Youth Support Practitioners to join our team. We are committed to providing a nurturing environment for vulnerable children and young people.

At Stowmarket Children's Home, you'll join a dedicated team providing round-the-clock care for up to five children and teenagers aged 11-17. The team collaborates to create a safe, structured, and nurturing environment where young residents can thrive. Each member brings unique skills and experiences, fostering a supportive atmosphere that encourages personal growth.

If you are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable young people and can work fixed shifts, we want to hear from you. This rewarding role offers the chance to change futures in a home from home.

Your role and responsibilities, 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.

Additional responsibilities

• Monthly supervision sessions
• Excellent benefits package.

The team, As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We're driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

Benefits

• 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 lots more!