Senior Youth Support Practitioner (Redeployment 22522)

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Beccles Childrens Home - Onsite
• Salary:39599 per annum (pro rata for part time) including a salary of 34434 plus 15% unsociable hours allowance 5165 (pro rata if part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week - flexible working options available
  • Rostered sleep in duties
• Contract: 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 team.We are committed to providing a nurturing environment for vulnerable children and young people.

Beccles Childrens Home is a mixed gendered home for up to 4 children aged 11 - 17 years old who may experience some social emotional and mental health difficulties and who may have suffered from severe trauma. 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.

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.

You will be required to undertake rostered sleep in duties. Any such 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.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

As a Senior Youth Support Practitioner you lead a team of Youth Support Practitioners to ensure that the best level of care is offered for the children we care for. Seniors act as a link between the staff team and the Manager. We can plan and support the day to day running of shifts and making sure the children are happy. But our focus is caring for the children and helping them make memories. At times it can be challenging but knowing that we are helping improve thechildrensoutcomes makes it worthwhile.

You will:

• bring personality life skills and experience to help our children and young people develop grow and have fulfilling lives
• be an integral part of a team that ensures every child and young person who walks through our doors feel welcome cared for safe and happy
• listen to children and families and work collaboratively with them
• be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
• be self-motivated and be able to work without constant supervision
• have the ability to remain calm in stressful situations

You will need

• knowledge and understanding of the role of a Residential Childcare Worker
• at least 2 years experience of working in a residential setting for children
• experience of being a role model when working with children or young adults
• the ability to work as part of the management team as well as a staff team
• good communication skills and a strong team ethos
• 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 home also welcomes applications from candidates who already hold a suitable practitioner level qualification at Level 3 for the Children and Young Peoples Workforce or equivalent experience in a relevant area.

24/7 Coverage:

• The home operates 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
• 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:

• 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. You will also have the option to complete the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for residential Child Care to further your career within Social Care.
• Monthly supervision sessions.
• Virtual clinical supervision by a seasoned professional.
• Excellent benefits package.

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

• Tell the applicant about your teams purpose and how you fulfil it. Share what motivates you and makes you proud to be part of the team.
• Describe the culture and values that bring your team together. Highlight the collaborative spirit and any unique traditions.
• Explain why its rewarding to be on your team. Share opportunities for growth camaraderie and making an impact.
• Include any specific details about your teams ways of working. For example our office days are usually on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Additionally we practice hybrid working.

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 our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

For an informal discussion about this role please contactBeth FletcherDeputy Residential Service Manager by calling.

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

How to apply

Step 1 -Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).

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.

1. As a Senior Youth Support Practitioner you will lead a team of Youth Support Practitioners. Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully led a team in a challenging situation What strategies did you use to ensure effective teamwork and positive outcomes
2. Safeguarding is a critical aspect of this role. Can you discuss a time when you identified a safeguarding concern and how you handled it
3. 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
4. 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

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

For guidance on completing your application please see our How to Apply page.

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences so we encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the process. You can also read our Using AI in Your Application and Interview guidanceto understand acceptable and unacceptable use of AI. If AI is used inappropriately your application may not be progressed.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team ator. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages. If youre invited to the next stage youll have another chance to request adjustments.

Closing date:11.30pm 24 March 2026

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.#LI-Onsite