At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable children in a nurturing environment and help them thrive.
- Company: Join Suffolk County Council, dedicated to community growth and youth support.
- Benefits: Earn a competitive salary, gain a funded Level 3 Diploma, and enjoy monthly supervision.
- Other info: Fixed shifts provide stability, with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others and willingness to learn; driving licence preferred.
The predicted salary is between 22800 - 22800 £ per year.
Overview
Lowestoft Children’s Home on the Suffolk County Council is a solo placement home for a child of either sex aged 11–17 years. The home provides support to ensure children achieve the best possible outcomes across education, health, social care and positive activities.
Role and Responsibilities
- Work as part of a dedicated team to provide day‑to‑day support for vulnerable children.
- Build strong, trusting relationships with young residents, monitoring their wellbeing.
- Safeguard all children from threats to their health and welfare.
- Maintain a safe and sensitive atmosphere that meets the needs of the children.
- Develop and maintain good relationships with parents, social workers, teachers and other professionals.
- Maintain accurate and detailed records.
- Deliver effective communication within the Home and with outside agencies and the community.
- Assist in planning and implementing care plans for children in collaboration with other professionals.
- Administer children\'s medication in accordance with procedures.
- Attend and participate in team meetings and supervisions.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Full and current driving licence with access to personal transport or meet mobility requirements through other reasonable means.
- Willingness to undertake training as required to update knowledge and skills.
- Ability to work fixed shifts to provide 24/7 coverage.
- Experience working with children and young people in a care setting (not mandatory but highly valued).
Benefits
- Funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
- Monthly supervision sessions.
- Excellent benefits package including competitive annual pay progression and cost‑of‑living increase.
- Part‑time salary of £28,598 plus 15% unsociable hours allowance (£4,289 pro‑rata).
- National minimum wage for sleep‑in duty hours on top of salary.
- Flexible working options and request of flexible working from first day.
Application Process
Step 1 – Read the Job and Person Profile before applying.
Step 2 – Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 – Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word).
- Explain a situation where you had to ensure the safety and well‑being of a child or young person.
- Describe how you have managed time effectively while working fixed shifts with similar shift requirements.
- Give an example of communicating effectively with a young person experiencing emotional distress.
- Describe how you would approach carrying out physical interventions to ensure a child’s safety and how you would rebuild trust after the intervention.
Note: The role is not eligible for visa sponsorship due to part‑time hours and associated salary level.
Closing date: 2 November 2025.
Youth Support Practitioners in Lowestoft employer: Suffolk County Council
At Suffolk County Council, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to the growth of our staff and the communities we serve. Our Youth Support Practitioners play a vital role in providing a nurturing environment for vulnerable children, with access to ongoing training, a supportive team culture, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes a funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare. Working at Lowestoft Children’s Home not only offers the chance to make a meaningful impact in young lives but also fosters personal and professional development in a collaborative and caring atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Support Practitioners in Lowestoft
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of youth support, whether it's through LinkedIn or local community events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to youth support. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for supporting vulnerable young people shine through. Share personal stories that highlight your commitment to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Suffolk County Council and making a positive impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Support Practitioners in Lowestoft
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job and Person Profile:Before diving into your application, take a moment to read through the Job and Person Profile. It’ll give you a solid understanding of what we’re looking for and help you tailor your application to match our needs.
Craft Your Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make sure to answer each question thoughtfully and provide real-life examples that showcase your skills and experiences. Remember, authenticity is key!
Keep It Personal:We want to hear your voice in your application. Avoid generic phrases and instead, share your unique perspective and experiences. This helps us see who you really are and how you can fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website:When you're ready, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important details. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Youth Support Practitioner inside out. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description, especially around safeguarding and building relationships with young people. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Share Real Experiences
When answering the supporting statement questions, use specific examples from your past experiences. Talk about situations where you ensured a child's safety or managed emotional distress. The interviewers want to see how you've handled real-life scenarios, so be prepared to share your stories and the outcomes.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children. Make sure to convey your passion for youth work during the interview. Share why you want to support young people and how you believe you can contribute to their growth and well-being. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you. You might ask about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they measure success in supporting the children. It’s a great way to engage with the interviewers and leave a lasting impression.
