At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people through engaging activities and positive relationships.
- Company: Join Nottinghamshire County Council at Clayfields House, a secure children's home.
- Benefits: Flexible shifts, competitive pay, generous leave, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values your voice and ideas.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, empathy, resilience, and creativity are key.
The predicted salary is between 13.9 - 15.31 £ per hour.
- Hourly Rate £13.90 - 15.31 per hour
- Type of vacancy Relief
- Work pattern Relief
- As and when required
- Work Base
- Clayfields House Secure Unit, Stapleford, NG9 8GU
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.
Nottinghamshire County Council 2.04K subscribers
Be there for young people when they need you most – and we’ll be there for you.
Join us as a Relief Assistant Practitioner at Clayfields House, where you can make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people.
Clayfields House, a Secure Children’s Home run by Nottinghamshire County Council, is looking for committed, compassionate Relief Assistant Practitioners to join our residential care team on a casual basis.
Whether you’re looking to gain experience, fit work around other commitments, or make a meaningful difference through flexible shifts, this role offers the opportunity to support young people when they need it most.
As a Relief Assistant Practitioner, you’ll provide cover across the home, helping to maintain a safe, supportive and consistent environment for our young people.
Every shift is an opportunity to build positive relationships, encourage personal development and contribute to a stable and nurturing atmosphere.
Through clear boundaries and encouragement, you will help young people develop confidence, resilience and essential life skills.
As a Relief Assistant Practitioner you’ll be
- Engaging with young people to encourage their personal development and well-being.
- Delivering or supporting engaging activities that promote confidence, teamwork and life skills.
- Work alongside experienced colleagues to create a safe, caring and structured environment.
- Acting as a positive role model to our young people.
No two days are the same.
One shift you might be running a Bake Off.
The next, organising a 5-a-side football tournament or teaching a new creative skill.
Your interests and personality matter here.
You don’t need previous experience working in a secure home. We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support.
What matters most is
- 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
We are looking for candidates who demonstrate
- 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 your approach to support and setting boundaries.
- A sense of humour to connect with young people and create a positive environment.
- About Clayfields House
At Clayfields House, we provide 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 that everyone can achieve positive change, and we need positive thinkers to help us create a ‘centre of excellence’ for those in our care.
- Working Hours and Benefits
- Enjoy the flexibility of relief work, with shifts available across weekdays, evenings and weekends to fit around your availability.
- 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.
- As an employee of Nottinghamshire County Council, you will benefit from:
- 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.
Why Join Us?
Working at Clayfields House is challenging- but it is 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.
NCC will not offer sponsorship for this role.
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Appointment to this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Nottinghamshire County Council strives to ensure that it goes beyond the requirements of the Equalities Act and prides itself on beingaccredited as a Disability Confident Leader Organisation.
Under the Disability Confident scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme)we would like to ensure applicants with disabilities are offered an interview if they meet the minimum criteria for a job.
Please let us know if this is something you would like to be considered for.
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 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.
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Relief Assistant Practitioner (Secure Accommodation) in West Bridgford employer: Nottinghamshire County Council
Nottinghamshire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and promotes employee growth. As an Approved Mental Health Professional at Sherwood Oaks Hospital, you will benefit from a hybrid working arrangement, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development, all while making a meaningful impact in the community.
Contact Details:
Nottinghamshire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief 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
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Nottinghamshire County Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Nottinghamshire County Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Nottinghamshire County Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief 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.
