Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable children in a nurturing environment and help them grow.
- Company: Join Suffolk County Council's dedicated team at Lowestoft Children's Home.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, funded training, flexible working options, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others and willingness to learn.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to empowering young people.
The predicted salary is between 32887 - 32887 £ per year.
Overview
Suffolk County Council, Lowestoft Children\\\’s Home (Onsite)
Salary: £32,887 per annum pro rata, plus additional payment for rostered sleep in duties (see benefits). The hourly rate is £17.04 (comprising £14.82 plus 15% unsociable hours allowance).
Hours: 22 and 18.5 hours per week. Status: Permanent.
Location: Lowestoft Children\\\’s Home, a solo placement home for a child of either sex aged 11 – 17 years old.
We are looking for passionate Youth Support Practitioners to join our team. Our aim is to provide a nurturing environment for vulnerable children and young people.
If you are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable young people and can work fixed shifts, we want to hear from you. This rewarding role offers the chance to change futures in a home from home.
Responsibilities
- Work as part of a dedicated team to provide day-to-day support for vulnerable children.
- Help children who may experience social, emotional, and mental health difficulties, including those who have experienced trauma and display high-level challenging behaviours.
- Build strong, trusting relationships with young residents, monitor wellbeing, and encourage personal growth and independence.
- 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.
Requirements
- 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.
Working Arrangements
The home operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Fixed shifts include 7am-6pm and 5.30pm-11.30pm with sleep-in duties. The rota supports consistent staffing, meeting individual needs, and team collaboration. Some flexibility within the fixed structure is provided to accommodate staff needs.
Benefits
- Funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare
- Monthly supervision sessions
- Excellent benefits package
- Salary includes £28,598 plus 15% unsociable hours allowance £4,289 (pro rata for part time)
- Sleep in duties are an additional requirement, with pay at national minimum wage for the hours scheduled to sleep, on top of salary
Application and Selection
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed, apply. Even if you don\\\’t meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
At Lowestoft Children\\\’s Home, you\\\’ll join a dedicated team providing round-the-clock care. The team collaborates to create a safe, structured, and nurturing environment where young residents can thrive. The home focuses on building strong, trusting relationships with the children, addressing their social, emotional, and mental health needs, and helping them overcome past traumas.
Empowering Everyone
We value potential and diversity. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
For an informal discussion, please contact Jason McMaster, Residential Manager, by calling 01502 674803.
You will be required to attend a Warner Interview as part of the recruitment process.
Please note: this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship due to part-time hours and salary level.
How To Apply
Step 1 – Read the Job and Person Profile (Word) before applying.
Step 2 – Click \\u201cApply Now\\u201d to start your online application.
Step 3 – Upload a supporting statement answering the questions (no more than 400 words per question). Use the Supporting Statement template (Word).
Questions to answer
- Explain a situation where you had to ensure the safety and well-being of a child or young person. What actions did you take, and how did you ensure that the child\\\’s needs were met?
- Fixed shifts including weekends and bank holidays: how have you managed your time effectively and maintained work-life balance?
- Describe a situation where you communicated effectively with a young person in emotional distress. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?
- Transition periods in solo children\\\’s homes and potential physical interventions: how would you approach such interventions and rebuild trust afterward?
We value authentic applications. Applications suspected of being AI-generated may be rejected. Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Supporting documents must be in PDF or MS Word format. If you require an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk.
Closing date: 11:30pm, 6 October 2025
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults; DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
About Us
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We provide flexible working options and support individual needs. We are committed to making a positive difference and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. Reimagine the possibilities.
Benefits (contd)
- Up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
- Membership of Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
- Performance-related annual pay progression and annual cost-of-living pay increase
- Training and career development opportunities
- Diverse and active staff networks
- Flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from day one
Plus lots more. For more information about our benefits, values and equality commitments, please visit the Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Youth Support Practitioners employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
Contact Detail:
Suffolk Jobs Direct Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Support Practitioners
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Lowestoft Children's Home and its values. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about the questions you might be asked, especially around safeguarding and supporting vulnerable children. Role-play these scenarios with a friend to build your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your dedication to helping young people. This will make you stand out as someone who truly cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that can keep you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Support Practitioners
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 packed with info that’ll help you tailor your application to what we’re really looking for!
Craft Your Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make sure to answer the questions clearly and provide real-life examples that show how you’ve handled similar situations in the past.
Be Authentic: We want to hear your voice! Avoid using AI-generated content as it might get your application tossed aside. Be genuine and let your personality come through in your writing.
Apply Through Our Website: When you’re ready, hit that 'Apply Now' button on our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered properly!
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 and challenges mentioned in the job description, especially around safeguarding and supporting vulnerable children. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest.
✨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 communicated effectively with someone in distress. This not only demonstrates your skills but also shows that you can relate to the role's demands.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your passion for working with young people shine through during the interview. Discuss why you want to be a Youth Support Practitioner and how you can make a difference in their lives. This enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates who may not convey the same level of commitment.
✨Prepare for the Warner Interview
Since you'll be attending a Warner Interview, brush up on what that entails. Understand the principles behind it, which focus on safeguarding and child welfare. Be ready to discuss scenarios involving trust-building and managing challenging behaviours, as these are crucial in this line of work.
