Suffolk Council are looking to recruit a Youth Support Practitioners to join our teambased in Ipswich, Suffolk. You will join us on a part-time, permanent basis.The successful candidate will earn a competitive salary of £17.04 hourly rate (this includes the hourly rate of £14.82 plus the 15% unsociable hours allowance)

At Suffolk County Council, we believe that when our people grow, our communities thrive. That's why we are 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 11 - 17 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, we want to hear from you. This rewarding role offers the chance to change futures in a home from home.

• 1 x 18.5 hours per week 
• 3 x 22 hours per week

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.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 2 November 2025

If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this Youth Support Practitioners role, even if you don’t meet all the requirements, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

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. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.