Relief Assistant Practitioner

We are seeking Relief Assistant Practitioners to join Clayfields House, 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. This role supports vulnerable young people with their physical, emotional and mental health care needs in a supportive environment.

This is a relief (on-call) position based at Clayfields House, Stapleford, NG9 8GU, with office-based working arrangements.

Hourly Rate: £13.90 - £15.31 per hour

Type of vacancy: Relief

Work pattern: Relief

Hours per week: As and when required

Working Arrangements: Office Based

Competency Framework: Tier 7a

Number of posts: 2

Closing Date: 16 February 2026 23:55

Interview date: TBC

Location: Clayfields House, Stapleford, NG9 8GU

This role is designed to help vulnerable young people achieve positive change in their lives and to address their care needs in a secure environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Engaging with young people to encourage their personal development and well-being.
• Planning and delivering enriching activities and supporting daily life skills for young people in our care.
• Collaborating with a team to create a safe and nurturing environment.
• Acting as a positive role model to our young people.
• Covering shifts due to Annual Leave and other absences.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• A minimum of 6 months experience of 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 in becoming the best version of themselves.
• Strong communication skills to engage with young people and colleagues.
• Empathy and compassion to understand the needs of vulnerable individuals.
• Problem-solving mindset, focusing on solutions rather than challenges.
• Ability to connect with young people and be relatable.
• Assertiveness and confidence in your approach to support and setting boundaries.
• A sense of humour to connect with young people and create a positive environment.

Working Hours and Benefits:

• Relief basis, covering shifts including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
• Pay enhancements: +£0.33 per hour for hours after 8pm on weekdays; +£0.50 per hour for weekend working.
• 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.

Additional information: NCC will not offer sponsorship for this role. Appointment to this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Disabled applicants who meet the essential shortlisting requirements will be guaranteed an interview. A job share scheme is available for all full-time posts. 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. Applications are welcomed irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, religion, belief, pregnancy and maternity status, age or sexual orientation.