At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with young people, plan activities, and provide life-skills sessions.
- Company: Clayfields House, a Secure Children's Home by Nottinghamshire County Council.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, training opportunities, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a rewarding environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, empathy, resilience, and creativity.
Salary £26,824 – £29,540 per annum (pro rata). Market Factor Supplement: £2,460 per annum (pro rata).
Clayfields House, a Secure Children's Home run by Nottinghamshire County Council, is looking for a committed, compassionate Assistant Practitioner to join our residential care team. This demanding yet highly rewarding role requires consistency, empathy, and resilience to influence the safety, stability and futures of our young people.
Responsibilities
- Engage with young people to encourage their personal development and well-being.
- Plan and deliver enriching activities.
- Work as part of a supportive team to create a safe and nurturing environment.
- Act as a positive role-model to our young people.
- Work one-to-one with an identified young person each week, delivering targeted life-skills sessions such as budgeting, cooking, fitness or confidence-building.
- Activities vary daily, ranging from a Bake-Off to a football league or a creative workshop.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 6 months experience working with children and young people.
- Understanding of the physical, emotional, and mental health needs of vulnerable young people.
- Resilience and adaptability to thrive in a challenging environment.
- Ability to set and maintain appropriate boundaries while providing support.
- Ability to work effectively in a team and contribute to a positive atmosphere.
- Creativity to engage young people in meaningful activities.
Soft Skills
- Enthusiasm, passion and commitment to supporting young people.
- Strong communication skills.
- Empathy and compassion toward vulnerable individuals.
- Problem-solving mindset focused on solutions.
- Ability to connect with young people and be relatable.
- Assertiveness and confidence in setting boundaries.
- A sense of humour to create a positive environment.
About Clayfields House
We provide secure care, education, and specialist interventions for up to 20 young people aged 10-18 with complex needs. Our residents often face youth justice issues, welfare concerns, and traumatic histories. We aim to create a ‘centre of excellence’ for those in our care.
Working Hours & Benefits
- Three-week rotating shift pattern, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
- Additional 0.33 per hour for hours after 8 pm during the week and 0.5 per hour for weekend work.
- Full-time (37 hrs) and part-time (25 hrs) positions available.
- Market Factor Supplement: £2,460 per year (full-time), pro-rata for part-time.
Benefits
- Comprehensive induction programme.
- Extensive training, supervision, and development opportunities.
- 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.
Why Join Us?
Working at Clayfields House is challenging yet meaningful, purposeful, and deeply rewarding. You’ll be part of a service where teamwork matters, your voice is heard, and your work genuinely changes lives.
Recruitment Information
- Type of vacancy: Permanent.
- Work pattern: Full Time, Part Time.
- Hours per week: 37 (Full-time) and 25 (Part-time).
- Work base: Clayfields House Secure Unit, 18-20 Moorbridge Lane, Nottingham, NG9 8GU.
- Working arrangements: Office-based.
- Interview date: 16 July 2026.
- Closing date: 28 June 2026 23:55.
Nottinghamshire County Council is committed to equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all candidates, regardless of gender, marital status, disability, race, religion, belief, pregnancy and maternity status, age or sexual orientation.
For an informal discussion about this opportunity please contact Alex Havill at 01159170010 or alex.havill@nottscc.gov.uk.
Assistant Practitioner (Secure Accommodation) employer: Nottinghamshire County Council
Clayfields House, a Secure Children's Home run by Nottinghamshire County Council, is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a supportive and nurturing environment for both its staff and the young people in its care. With a strong emphasis on teamwork, extensive training opportunities, and a commitment to employee well-being, you will find a rewarding career where your contributions truly make a difference. Join us in shaping brighter futures while enjoying generous benefits and a positive work culture in the heart of Nottingham.
Contact Details:
Nottinghamshire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Practitioner (Secure Accommodation)
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Nottinghamshire County Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Practitioner (Secure Accommodation)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Nottinghamshire County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Nottinghamshire County Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nottinghamshire County Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
