About the role
Do you have a passion for supporting young people to achieve the best possible outcomes in life? Are you ready to make a real difference by helping prevent care escalation, placement breakdowns, or facilitating placement step‑downs? Join us as a Senior Youth Practitioner, where every day is an opportunity to inspire, support, and empower.
The pioneering Harbour model framework in the east of Dorset provides residential and outreach‑based support for Dorset families. Our residential service in the East is a property near Ringwood, set on the edge of the beautiful new forest, and supports young people through their journey in residential care with a high level of support to develop key skills, enabling them to move into foster care or home. Our outreach provision will provide strengths‑based and trauma‑informed support through the advancement of outdoor activities to change the narrative around healthy relationships and ensure young people stay close to their families and loved ones in Dorset.
What’s in it for you
* You will be part of our ever‑improving Children’s Service, making a difference to children in Dorset. Recently rated as GOOD by Ofsted, our approach to how we work with our children, families, and communities is embedded in making Dorset a place where all children thrive.
* You will be joining a supportive and inclusive council that will provide you with support, invest in you, and nurture you to enable you to thrive in your job. A comprehensive training programme is available to enable your professional growth and development.
* You will make a difference by ensuring that our children stay in Dorset and are given the best start in life through outstanding care, support, and services. This includes the best education and training opportunities, which enable them to thrive, realise their potential, and be the best they can be.
What you can expect to be doing
* Provide on‑the‑ground support and drive change in finding solutions, building sustainable and meaningful relationships and manage the reduction of risk, whilst focusing on local placements with the clear objective of improving work with families and safely reducing the number of children entering care.
* Provide supervision and direction using evidence‑based models including Trauma Informed Model and Restorative Practice.
* Work closely with the Deputy Manager to oversee key residential and outreach processes for Harbour East.
* Oversee and supervise the care and support provided to young people and their families.
* Improve work with families and communities to safely reduce the number of children entering care.
* Work with partner agencies to improve social work practice and decision making so that the best choices are made for every child, and lives are improved.
About you
* Experienced, dynamic and motivated Senior Youth Practitioner ready to develop this service, lead from the front to generate a change in culture, systems, relationships, practice and ways of working together, whilst making a real difference to the lives of children, young people and families.
* Prior supervisory experience of residential and outreach processes, supporting children on the edge of care, those in care requiring placement stability support and/or missing in education.
* Desirable: an active interest in continuous professional development on related subjects.
* Kind, caring, passionate about improving lives, aspirational attitude and resilient and flexible approach.
* Inspirational leader who is passionate about improving the lives of Dorset children and creating opportunities for them to thrive.
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
* Leadership programmes, coaching, and mentoring.
We’re looking for someone who
* Is resilient, empathetic, and skilled in forming meaningful connections with young people and families.
* Can deliver proactive, solution‑focused interventions while celebrating individuality and diversity.
* Thrives in a flexible role that includes evenings, weekends, and sleep‑in duties, ensuring consistent support.
* Has a QCF Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (or equivalent) and a commitment to continuous development.
Further Information
For an informal conversation please contact Sara Boddington at Sara.C.Boddington@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk, or Louise Griffin at louise.griffin@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.
This is a full‑time role at 37 hours per week.
Please note that applications will be reviewed on submission and the vacancy may close early if filled before the closing date.
This post requires significant travel. You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed.
This post involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them. It will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. See our policy on safeguarding children and young.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation. We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be accessible to candidates who may need reasonable adjustments.
EEO Statement
Dorset Council is an equal opportunity employer. Discrimination on the basis of age, gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic is not tolerated.
#J-18808-Ljbffr