Youth Support Practitioner

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.

You will join a small, dedicated team providing high-quality care and support within a one-bed children's home in Brandon. The home offers a nurturing, safe, and stable environment for one child or young person aged 11-17, with staffing arrangements typically comprising two staff members on duty to ensure consistent support and positive relationship building.

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.

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

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.

What 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.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person profile. If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

Working hours

The homes operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, which means you will work flexibly across a 4-week rolling rota, including weekends and bank holidays, with shifts typically covering 7am - 6pm and 5pm - 11pm, followed by a sleep-in shift from 11pm - 7.30am.

This ensures:

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.

Excellent benefits package.

Sleep-in duties are an additional contractual requirement. For these duties, you will receive National Minimum Wage for the hours you are rostered to sleep, in addition to your salary.

Closing date:?11:30pm, 8 November 2026.

Interview and Warner Interview date: 25 and 27 November 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