At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people’s development through engaging activities and one-to-one life skills sessions.
- Company: Join Nottinghamshire County Council at Clayfields House, a secure children's home.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible full-time and part-time roles available with a positive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and a passion for helping vulnerable individuals.
The predicted salary is between 18 - 20 £ per hour.
Market Factor Supplement £2,460 per annum (pro rata)
Type of vacancy: Permanent
Work pattern: Full Time, Part Time
Work hours: 37 hours (full time) or 25 hours (part time)
Work Base: Clayfields House Secure Unit, 18-20 Moorbridge Lane, Nottingham, NG9 8GU
Overview
The Children and Families Department approaches work from a strengths‑based perspective, working with children, young people, families and partner agencies under our 'Our Nottinghamshire Approach'.
Job Summary
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. The role is demanding yet highly rewarding; your consistency, empathy and resilience will directly influence the safety, stability and futures of the young people.
Key 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 for the 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.
- Deliver a varied schedule: from running a Bake Off to organising a 5‑a‑side football league or teaching a new creative skill.
Qualifications & Requirements
What matters most:
- Minimum of 6 months 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.
- 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 setting boundaries.
- A sense of humour to create a positive environment.
About Clayfields House
Clayfields House provides secure care, education and specialist interventions for up to 20 young people aged 10‑18 with complex needs. These young people come to us due to youth justice issues or welfare concerns, often having faced difficult care histories and traumatic experiences. We believe everyone can achieve positive change and need positive thinkers to help us create a ‘centre of excellence’ for those in our care.
Working Hours and Benefits
A three‑week rotating shift pattern, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays. Additional compensation of 0.33 pence per hour for work after 8 pm during the week and 0.5 pence for weekend working. All contracted staff receive the Market Factor Supplement of £2,460 per year (full time), pro rata for part‑time roles. Full time (37 hour) and part time (25 hour) positions available.
As an employee of Nottinghamshire County Council you will benefit from:
- 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.
Why Join Us?
Working at Clayfields House is challenging – but also 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.
Additional Information
NCC will not offer sponsorship for this role. Appointment to this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Our 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 expect all staff to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks.
Nottinghamshire County Council strongly encourages applications from all candidates from different walks of life, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, religion, belief, pregnancy and maternity status, age or sexual orientation.
Equalities and Disability
Nottinghamshire County Council strives to go beyond the requirements of the Equalities Act and is an accredited Disability Confident Leader Organisation. Under the Disability Confident scheme (formerly the Guaranteed Interview Scheme) we will offer an interview to applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria. Please let us know if this is something you would like to be considered for.
Assistant Practitioner (Secure Accommodation) in West Bridgford employer: Nottinghamshire County Council
Nottinghamshire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and enthusiastic team environment at Clayfields House Secure Unit in Nottingham. With a strong commitment to employee development through significant training opportunities, generous annual leave, and a local government pension scheme, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable young people. Join us to be part of a rewarding journey where your contributions are valued and your voice is heard.
Contact Details:
Nottinghamshire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Practitioner (Secure Accommodation) in West Bridgford
✨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) in West Bridgford
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.
