Overview
The role of Youth Practitioner is to ensure a safe and nurturing environment in which children and young people can thrive and develop self-reliance in reaching their potential. The Harbour/College House residential home and outreach service support children and young people who have experienced significant trauma and neglect. College House is a home in Weymouth.
We are looking for caring, committed and positive individuals to join our supportive team of Youth Practitioners, working within the homes and local community to help children and young people thrive. A flexible employer, we welcome discussion around hours to be mutually agreeable, including some evening, weekend work, sleep-ins (with an allowance) and bank holidays.
We will provide an extensive induction and training including a level 4 certificate in therapeutic care where required. You will also have regular supervision and access to a benefits package and the LGPS pension scheme working for Dorset Council. We encourage applicants to visit us to get a better sense of who we are, what the job involves and to ask questions. Dorset offers a comprehensive training programme to support professional growth and development, equipping you with the skills, confidence and qualifications to succeed.
We invest in long-term development with a comprehensive, accredited training offer tailored to you.
Professional Qualifications
* fully funded Level 3 Diploma in Childcare or the nationally recognised Level 4 Therapeutic Certificate in Childcare
* support with Maths & English if needed
Core Skills & Induction
* structured onboarding programme to help you settle in
* safeguarding, trauma-informed care, and behaviour management
* first aid and health & safety
Ongoing development
* monthly reflective supervision and peer learning
* access to e-learning, workshops, and specialist courses
* specialist training in therapeutic care and attachment
* deep dive into child development and neurodiversity
Career Progression
* clear routes to Senior Youth Practitioner and Team Leader roles
* leadership programmes, coaching, and mentoring
About The Harbour
Our service is designed to wrap around a child’s needs, with an evidence-informed approach to risk and a supportive working environment, including a team development plan above and beyond mandatory requirements. We have a multi-agency integrated through co-location, sharing of learning and tasks. Our children are helped by people who make things happen.
What You Will Be Doing
You will be passionate and aspirational in supporting young people through activities that help build strong, resilient relationships. Activities include introducing children and young people to new environments, sports, arts and leisure, and supporting them in education, training and employment, while promoting a clean, safe and nurturing home environment for independence.
You will form positive relationships with children, young people and families and work with families, partner agencies and allocated social workers to identify and achieve the best outcomes. You will work to mend relationships and reunify families when appropriate. You will be aspirational, flexible, autonomous and a team player, contributing to a culture that values growth, learning and responsibility.
You will join a supportive and inclusive Council that will nurture and invest in you to enable you to thrive. A comprehensive training programme is available in addition to mandatory training to support your professional growth and development.
About You
You will be a kind and caring person with a passion for improving lives, and be aspirational, resilient and flexible in approach.
* Ability to achieve QCF level 4 Health and Social Care or equivalent
* Numeracy and literacy skills
* Recording and report writing skills
* Experience and resilience working with children and young people
* Ability to work flexibly across a range of settings
* Experience of direct work with families
* Have problem solving skills
* Skilled in forming and maintaining relationships with young people
* Have good communication, interpersonal and advocacy skills
* Understanding of key childcare legislation
* Team working skills
* Inter-agency collaboration skills
* Effective IT skills to use recording systems
* Willingness to undertake training
* Be an excellent role model for children and young people
Seniority level
* Entry level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Health Care Provider
Industries
* Government Administration
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