Youth Support Practitioners

• Suffolk County Council Lowestoft Childrens Home (Onsite)
• 32887 per annum pro rata plus additional payment for rostered sleep in duties (see benefits)
• 17.04 hourly rate (this includes the hourly rate of 14.82 plus the 15% unsociable hours allowance)
• 22 and 18.5 hours per week
• Permanent

At Suffolk County Council we believe that when our people grow our communities thrive. Thats why were looking for passionate Youth Support Practitioners to join our are committed to providing a nurturing environment for vulnerable children and young people.

Lowestoft Childrens Home is a solo placement home for a child of either sex aged 11 - 17 years old. We provide support for the children in our care to achieve the best possible outcomes in all aspects of their lives including education health and social and fun activities as well as supporting them to build positive and appropriate relationships. We believe every child deserves a safe and supportive environment where they can thrive.

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

1 x 18.5 hours per week - see rota (word)

3 x 22 hours per week -see rota (word)

Your role and responsibilities

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 childrens 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 to provide 24/7 coverage.

The home operates 24 hours a day 365 days a year which means:

• Fixed shifts:Shifts are 7am-6pm and 5.30pm-11.30pm with sleep-in duty
• 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.

Benefits:

• Funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare
• Monthly supervision sessions
• Excellent benefits package.
• Salary includes a salary of 28598 plus 15% unsociable hours allowance 4289 (pro rata for part time).
• Sleep in duties are an additional requirement for which you will receive national minimum wage for the hours you are rostered to sleep on top of your salary.

You can view a full list of requirements in theJob and Person Profile (Word)If you believe you can succeed in this role apply. Even if you dont meet all requirements still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

At Lowestoft Childrens Home youll join a dedicated team providing round-the-clock care. 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. 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 childs needs are met and they receive the best possible care and support.

Empowering Everyone

Were big believers in potential possibility and the power of different ideas. Were always searching for ways to encourage respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation as shown in ourWorkforce Equality Report.

For more information

For an informal discussion please contactJason McMaster Residential Manager by calling.

You will be required to attend a Warner Interview for this position as part of the recruitment process.

Please note that this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship due to the part-time hours and associated salary level which do not meet the minimum requirements for a Skilled Worker visa

How to apply

Step 1 -Please read theJob and Person Profile (Word)before applying for this job opportunity.

Step 2 -Click Apply Now to start your online application.

Step 3 -Upload asupporting statementanswering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use theSupporting Statement template (Word).

1. Explain a situation where you had to ensure the safety and well-being of a child or young person. What actions did you take and how did you ensure that the childs needs were met
2. This role requires working fixed shifts including weekends and bank holidays. Can you provide an example of how you have managed your time effectively while working in a role with similar shift requirements How do you ensure that you maintain a healthy work-life balance while meeting the demands of fixed shifts
3. Give an example of a situation where you had to communicate effectively with a young person who was experiencing emotional distress. How did you handle the situation and what was the outcome
4. Transition periods in solo childrens homes can be particularly challenging and may sometimes require physical interventions to ensure a childs safety. Can you describe how you would approach carrying out such interventions and how you would work to rebuild trust and relationships with the child afterward

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

Please note:Without a supporting statement your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability please contact us ator

Closing date:11.30pm 6 October 2025

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 (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.