At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people and families to improve wellbeing and access essential services.
- Company: Join Prefer Homes, a nurturing environment for young people in care.
- Benefits: Earn £12,480 in your first year with potential wage increases and valuable training.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career progression and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while gaining hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: GCSE in maths (grade 4+) and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
We’re recruiting a Children, Young People & Families Practitioner Apprentice to join Prefer Homes. You’ll support young people and families to improve wellbeing and access services, gaining experience in an Ofsted-regulated supported accommodation service for 16-18s and 18+ care leavers.
Wage: £12,480 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices. Please note the hours would be 30-36 hours per week maximum 40 hours per week.
Training course: Children, young people and families practitioner (level 4)
Hours: Working a 7 day rota running Saturday- Friday. Shifts TBC including weekends and night shifts, however, can be anytime between 8am- 8pm or 2pm- 10.00pm inclusive of night shifts 7pm- 7am and sleep ins.
Throughout your apprenticeship, you will receive structured training, mentoring, and ongoing support to help you build confidence, enhance your professional practice, and progress within the children, young people, and family support sector.
Key duties include, but are not limited to:
- Supporting the day-to-day delivery of family support services to create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment.
- Working directly with children, young people, and families to assess needs and set realistic, achievable goals.
- Providing daily practical support and helping individuals develop essential life skills to promote independence.
- Supporting young adults to gain and sustain their move on tenancies, improve stability, and enhance their quality of life.
- Encouraging positive parenting, strong family relationships, and healthy routines.
- Assisting with early intervention activities that build resilience, confidence, and overall wellbeing.
- Signposting and facilitating access to external services, including education, health, and community support.
- Using ClearCare systems to accurately document and maintain support plans, risk assessments, and key working sessions.
- Maintaining detailed and accurate records in line with organisational policies and procedures.
- Communicating effectively with families, colleagues, and external partner agencies.
- Promoting safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion always.
- Ensuring all health and safety standards are met within the buildings, including adherence to HMO regulations and maintaining clean, safe environments.
- Complying with all data protection, confidentiality, and organisational procedures.
You will be completing the Level 4 Children, Young People & Families Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard with Darlington Borough Council Learning & Skills, Darlington. This apprenticeship is designed to equip you with the essential skills, knowledge, and behaviours required to support children, young people, and families effectively within community and housing settings.
The programme is delivered through a blended approach, combining online flexible learning, expert-led classroom sessions, and workplace-based training covering key areas such as safeguarding, early intervention, and family support.
Requirements:
- GCSE in maths (grade 4+ (C+)).
- Travel to and from the employer, based at Fairway Spring Street Stockton-On-Tees TS18 3NR and 54 Yarm Road, Stockton on Tees, TS18 3PQ.
- Business insurance needed if a car driver.
- Fully enhanced DBS preferably on the update service to adhere to Ofsted Safer Recruitment Practices.
- Due to the shifts, only applicants aged 18+ would be suitable.
About this employer: Prefer Homes is a supported accommodation Ofsted Regulated provider based in Stockton-on-Tees, delivering safe, high-quality accommodation and tailored support for young people aged 16–18 in the care of local authorities LAC Children.
Possible employment and progression on to further training upon completion of apprenticeship.
The contact for this apprenticeship is: DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL Graham Curry graham.curry@Darlington.gov.uk 07949845325.
Youth & Family Support Apprentice employer: Darlington
At Prefer Homes, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to the growth and development of our apprentices. Located in Stockton-on-Tees, we offer a supportive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of young people and families, providing hands-on experience in a nurturing environment. With structured training, mentoring, and opportunities for progression, you will gain invaluable skills while making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth & Family Support Apprentice
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Jump into local community events or volunteering opportunities. Social work is all about connecting with people, so being visible in your community helps us make the right contacts. Plus, it’s a great way to show your passion!
✨Connect with Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks like local councils or universities that offer apprenticeship programmes. They often post unique opportunities and can connect us with mentors who can guide our journey and potentially lead to the apprenticeship at Darlington.
✨Tailor Your Approach to Apprenticeships
When applying for an apprenticeship, focus on showcasing your relevant experiences in your CV and during interviews. Highlight any volunteer work or practical experiences related to social work to stand out to Darlington.
✨Follow Up After Your Application
Once you’ve applied for an apprenticeship at Darlington, don’t just sit back! Follow up with a friendly email or a call to express your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and helps keep you on their radar.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth & Family Support Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:When applying for an apprenticeship in social work, make sure to express your genuine passion for helping others. Use your cover letter to tell a story about why you’re drawn to this field and how your personal experiences have shaped your desire to pursue a career in social work. This personal touch can make a big difference!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you don't have formal work experience in social work, be sure to showcase any volunteering or community involvement. Mention any relevant skills you've developed, like communication, empathy, or conflict resolution. These are key in social work, and showcasing them can really strengthen your application to Darlington.
Tailor Your CV to Social Work:Craft your CV with a focus on social work-related skills and experiences. Include sections for relevant qualifications, such as any certifications, training, or workshops you've attended. Make sure to highlight your ability to work in diverse teams and support vulnerable individuals, all of which are essential in this field.
Be Ready to Learn:In your application, emphasise your enthusiasm for learning and growing within the social work sector. As an apprentice, it’s important for us at StudySmarter to see that you are eager to absorb knowledge and develop your skills. Let us know how this apprenticeship aligns with your career goals in social work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Darlington
✨Show Your Passion for Helping People
In social work, empathy and a genuine desire to help others are crucial. When chatting with Darlington, make sure to convey your passion for community support and social justice. Share any relevant experiences, even volunteer work, where you've made a difference.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
You might face some scenario-based questions during your interview that assess how you'd handle real-life situations, such as conflict resolution or crisis management. Practise responding to potential scenarios that are common in social work, so you feel confident when tackling these types of questions with the interviewers.
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
As you're aiming for an apprenticeship, your eagerness to learn is a huge asset! Be open about what you hope to gain from the role at Darlington and how you're excited to develop your skills. This shows them that you're not just there to fill a spot but genuinely enthusiastic about growing in the field.
✨Prepare to Discuss Relevant Theories and Tools
Brush up on key theories and tools used in social work, such as the person-centred approach or community assessments. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these in practise. This doesn't just show your knowledge but also signals your readiness to delve into the nitty-gritty of the job right from the outset.
