Practitioner

Practitioner

Full-Time 24000 - 28000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support and advocate for vulnerable young people, providing care and building relationships.
  • Company: Join Nottinghamshire County Council, a leader in safeguarding and supporting youth.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible shifts, and opportunities for personal growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while working in a supportive team environment.
  • Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just a passion for helping others.
  • Other info: Full-time role with a three-week shift pattern, including evenings and weekends.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 £ per year.

Salary (including MFS)

£30,024 – £33,699 + Market Factor Supplement of £2,460.00 per annum.

Market Factor Supplement

£2,460 Per annum

Type of vacancy

Permanent

Work pattern

Full Time

Hours per week

37

Work Base

Clayfields House, Stapleford, NG9 8GU

Working Arrangements

Office Based

Job Description / Person Specification

Practitioner JDPS.pdf – 373KB Opens in a new window

Additional Documentation

Practitioner FAQs Feb 2025.docx – 37KB Opens in a new window

Converted File Practitioner FAQs Feb 2025.docx.pdf – 67KB Opens in a new window

Competency Framework

Tier 7b

Number of posts

3

Interview date

5th February 2026

Closing Date

25 January 2026 23:55

The Children and Families Department takes a strengths-based approach to working with each other, children, young people and families, and our partner agencies. We call this \’Our Nottinghamshire Approach\’. Watch the two minute animation to learn more.

Join our dedicated team at Clayfields House and make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people. We are looking for compassionate and resilient individuals to provide care and support in a rewarding environment.

Job Summary

An exciting opportunity awaits you at Clayfields House, a Local Authority Secure Children’s Home under Nottinghamshire County Council. We are seeking extraordinary individuals to join our dynamic professional team. Our mission is to help young people achieve positive change, and we need caring, motivated, and skilled practitioners to support those who are most vulnerable.

Clayfields House is a Local Authority Secure Children’s Home that provides secure care, education, and specialist interventions for up to 20 young people aged 10 to 18. We offer intensive services for those at risk to themselves or others, or who require secure accommodation due to offending behaviour or as required under Section 25 of the Children Act. This role is both challenging and rewarding, as you will be caring for some of the most vulnerable young people in the country.

Key Responsibilities

  • Providing day-to-day care and support to our young people.
  • Advocating for their needs and well-being.
  • Writing reports and attending meetings and reviews.
  • Building positive relationships with young people, including those who may be difficult to engage.
  • Leading shifts: As a shift leader, you will complete all relevant paperwork and ensure appropriate and purposeful activities are delivered to the young people.

Required Skills And Qualifications

  • A relevant qualification in social care, youth work, or a related field.
  • Experience working with young people, particularly those who are vulnerable or at risk, in residential care or alternative setting.
  • Strong communication skills to effectively engage with young people and colleagues.
  • The ability to work in a challenging environment with resilience and empathy.
  • The ability to establish and maintain appropriate boundaries with young people.

Soft Skills

  • Enthusiasm, passion and commitment to supporting young people in becoming the best version of themselves.
  • The ability to work collaboratively within a team.
  • Resilience and flexibility to adapt to changing situations and needs.
  • Assertiveness and confidence in your approach to support.
  • Creativity to engage young people in meaningful activities.
  • A sense of humour to connect with young people and create a positive environment.
  • A positive attitude and a willingness to learn and grow in the role.

Working Hours And Benefits

  • You’ll work to a three-week shift pattern, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays. Opportunities for sleep-in duties are available.
  • You will get paid an additional 0.33 an hour for every hour worked after 8pm during the week and an additional 0.5 an hour for weekend working.
  • All contracted staff receive a Market Factor Supplement of £2,460 per year (full-time), pro rata for part‑time roles.

As an employee of Nottinghamshire County Council, you will benefit from:

  • A comprehensive induction programme.
  • Access to significant training, supervision, and development opportunities.
  • A supportive and enthusiastic team environment.
  • Generous annual leave entitlement above statutory requirements.
  • Participation in the local government pension scheme with a 6.5% employer contribution.

We invite you to apply if you believe you can meet the requirements for this role and make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people.

For informal discussion regarding this position, please telephone 01159170010 and ask to speak to the Team Manager.

NCC will not offer sponsorship for this role.

IND2

Disabled applicants who meet the essential shortlisting requirements will be guaranteed an interview. A job share scheme is available for all full‑time posts: both permanent and temporary, unless otherwise stated. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks.

Nottinghamshire County Council strives to ensure that it goes beyond the requirements of the Equalities Act and prides itself on being accredited as a Disability Confident Leader Organisation.

Therefore, the County Council encourages applications from all, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, religion, belief, pregnancy and maternity status, age or sexual orientation.

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Practitioner employer: Nottinghamshire County Council

Nottinghamshire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment at Clayfields House in Stapleford. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide comprehensive training and development opportunities, alongside competitive salaries and allowances for unsociable hours. Our inclusive culture prioritises the well-being of both staff and the vulnerable young people we serve, making this a truly rewarding place to work.
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Contact Detail:

Nottinghamshire County Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Practitioner

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of vulnerable young people. Understanding their challenges and how to support them effectively will show your commitment and suitability for the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight any relevant experience you have in care or support roles, especially with young people. This could include volunteering, internships, or previous jobs that demonstrate your ability to connect with and advocate for children.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by thinking about scenarios where you've had to demonstrate resilience and problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss how you would handle challenging situations with young people.

✨Tip Number 4

Research Clayfields House and Nottinghamshire County Council's values and mission. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs can set you apart as a candidate who truly understands the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Practitioner

Empathy
Resilience
Communication Skills
Report Writing
Advocacy Skills
Relationship Building
Teamwork
Problem-Solving Skills
Understanding of Child Development
Knowledge of Safeguarding Practices
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Flexibility in Working Hours
Conflict Resolution
Patience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Practitioner role. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with what Nottinghamshire County Council is looking for.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your relevant experience in working with young people, particularly in challenging environments. Emphasise your ability to build relationships and support vulnerable individuals.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for making a difference in the lives of young people. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your suitability for the role.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

How to prepare for a job interview at Nottinghamshire County Council

✨Understand the Role

Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Practitioner. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the needs of vulnerable young people.

✨Show Your Passion

Demonstrate your commitment to making a positive change in the lives of young people. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your motivation and dedication to this field.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your ability to handle challenging situations. Think of examples from your past where you've successfully managed difficult behaviours or provided support to those in need.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about the team, the work environment, and the challenges faced in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.

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