Residential Youth Support Practitioners

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket Childrens Home - Onsite
• Salary: 32887 per annum (pro rata for part time) 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)
• Hours: 37 hours per weekflexible working options may be available
• Contract: Permanent and Fixed Term

At Suffolk County Council collaboration is at the heart of what we do. As Youth Support Practitioners in the Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket homes youll work with colleagues partners and communities to build trust share ideas and deliver services that make a lasting impact.

Posts available

Bury St Edmunds 3 x 37 hours permanent and 1 x 37 Fixed Term Secondment cover up to November 26.

Stowmarket 4 x 37 hours permanent.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket Childrens Homes aremixed-gender residential homes for children and young people aged 8 - 17 years old. We provide support for the children and young people 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 and young person deserves a safe and supportive environment where they can thrive.

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 and young people in the county. You will help those 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 and young people from threats to their health and welfare
• Maintain a safe and sensitive atmosphere that meets the needs of the children and young people
• 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 and young people in collaboration with other professionals
• Administer 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.

You can view a full list of requirements in theJob and Person Profile.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 homes operate 24 hours a day 365 days a year which means:

• Fixed shifts 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.

The team

You will 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 homes large detached houses with spacious gardens in pleasant residential areas 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 our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

For an informal chat please contact:

For Bury St Edmunds -Bob Rigby Deputy Manager by calling

For Stowmarket- Mitch Aalders Deputy Manager by calling

How to apply

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

1. 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

1. 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

1. Transition periods in 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

Please note:Without a supporting statement your interest will not be supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

For guidance on completing your application please seeourHow to Apply page.

We value authentic applications thatshowcaseyour genuine skills and experiences so we encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the process. You can also readourUsing 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 applyIf you are disabled and/or haveadditionalsupport needs you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team ator.You can find examples ofpossible adjustmentsonourReasonable Adjustment pages. Ifyoureinvited to the next stageyoullhave another chance to request adjustments.

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

Closing date: 11.30pm 29 April 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.