At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable children in a nurturing environment and help them thrive.
- Company: Suffolk County Council, dedicated to community growth and support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, funded training, and excellent benefits package.
- 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.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 32887 - 32887 £ per year.
Suffolk County Council is looking for passionate Youth Support Practitioners to join our team. We are committed to providing a nurturing environment for vulnerable children and young people. Lowestoft Children's Home is a solo placement home for a child of either sex, aged years old. We provide support for the children in our care to achieve the best possible outcomes in all aspects of their lives, including education, health, and social and fun activities, as well as supporting them to build positive and appropriate relationships. We believe every child deserves a safe and supportive environment where they can thrive.
If you are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable young people and can work fixed shifts (Rota chart for 37 hours per week), we want to hear from you. This rewarding role offers the chance to change futures in a home from home.
Your role and responsibilities
- You will work as part of a dedicated team to provide day-to-day support for some of the most vulnerable children in the county.
- You will help children who may experience social, emotional, and mental health difficulties, including those who have experienced trauma and display high-level challenging behaviours.
- Your role will involve building strong, trusting relationships with young residents, monitoring their wellbeing, and encouraging their personal growth and independence.
You will:
- Promote the development of children and young people within the environment.
- 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 communications 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.
You will need:
- A willingness to undertake training as required to update knowledge and skills.
- To either hold a full and current driving licence and have access to personal transport or meet the mobility requirements of the role through other reasonable and suitable means.
- To be able to work fixed shifts to provide 24/7 coverage.
The home operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, which means:
- Fixed shifts: Shifts are 7am - 6pm and 5.30pm -11.30pm with sleep-in duty.
- Consistent staffing: Ensures staff are always present during critical times, providing stability for the children.
- Meeting individual needs: The rota helps in planning and implementing effective care plans.
- Team collaboration: Structured rota allows for effective communication and teamwork.
- Flexibility within structure: While the rota is fixed, it strives to offer some flexibility to accommodate staff needs.
Benefits
- Funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
- Monthly supervision sessions.
- Excellent benefits package.
Salary includes a salary of £28,598 plus 15% unsociable hours allowance £4,289 (pro rata for part time). Sleep in duties are an additional requirement, for which you will receive national minimum wage for the hours you are rostered to sleep, on top of your salary.
The team at Lowestoft Children's Home collaborates to create a safe, structured, and nurturing environment where young residents can thrive. Each member brings unique skills and experiences, fostering a supportive atmosphere that encourages personal growth.
Empowering Everyone
We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation.
For more information
For an informal discussion, please contact either Jason McMaster, Manager, or Kelly Ward, Deputy Manager.
How to apply
- Read the Job and Person Profile.
- Click 'Apply Now' to start your online application.
- Upload a Supporting Statement template that has answered specific questions.
Closing date: 11:30pm, 18 February 2026.
You will be required to attend a Warner Interview for this position as part of the recruitment process.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Youth Support Practitioner (Redeployment 22307) in Lowestoft employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
Contact Detail:
Suffolk Jobs Direct Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Support Practitioner (Redeployment 22307) in Lowestoft
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Suffolk County Council and the Lowestoft Children’s Home. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about the questions you might be asked during the interview, especially around safeguarding and supporting vulnerable children. Prepare some real-life examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills and how you’ve handled challenging situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself! Authenticity is key when working with young people. During the interview, let your personality shine through. Share your passion for helping others and how you can contribute to creating a nurturing environment at the home.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After your interview, don’t forget to send a thank-you email. It’s a great way to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds!
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Support Practitioner (Redeployment 22307) in Lowestoft
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job and Person Profile: Before diving into your application, take a good look at the Job and Person Profile. It’s like your roadmap to understanding what we’re looking for in a Youth Support Practitioner. Knowing the ins and outs will help you tailor your application to hit all the right notes.
Craft Your Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make sure you answer the questions clearly and provide real-life examples that showcase your skills and experiences. We want to see how you’ve handled situations in the past, so don’t hold back on the details!
Be Authentic: We love genuine applications! Show us who you are and what you can bring to the table. Avoid using AI-generated content; we want to hear your voice and your unique perspective. Authenticity goes a long way in making your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: When you’re ready to submit your application, make sure to do it through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it’s super straightforward – just click ‘Apply Now’ and follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Youth Support Practitioner. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, especially around safeguarding and supporting vulnerable children. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Share Real Experiences
When answering the application questions, use specific examples from your past experiences. Think about times when you ensured a child's safety or communicated effectively with someone in distress. The interviewers want to see how you've handled similar situations before, so be ready to share those stories!
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about making a difference in young people's lives, so let your passion shine through! Talk about why you care about supporting vulnerable children and how you can contribute to their growth and well-being. A genuine enthusiasm for the role can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for the Warner Interview
Since you'll be attending a Warner Interview, brush up on what that entails. It's focused on safeguarding and child protection, so be prepared to discuss your understanding of these areas. Practising common questions related to these topics can help you feel more at ease during the interview.