Overview
At Suffolk County Council, we are looking for passionate Youth Support Practitioners to join our Lowestoft Children’s Home team. We provide a nurturing environment for vulnerable children and young people and offer a home-from-home setting in a solo placement home for a child aged 11–17.
* Location: 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)
* Hourly rate: £17.04 (comprising £14.82 base rate plus 15% unsociable hours allowance)
* Hours: 18.5 hours per week or 22 hours per week (per rota)
* Contract: Permanent
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.
* 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
What 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
About the Home and Schedule
The home operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Fixed shifts, rostered hours and sleep-in duties form part of the rota. The home focuses on building strong, trusting relationships and supporting children with their social, emotional, and mental health needs.
* Fixed shifts: 7am–6pm and 5:30pm–11:30pm with sleep-in duty
* Consistent staffing for stability
* Active care planning and team collaboration
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 paid at national minimum wage for hours rostered to sleep, in addition to salary
How To Apply and Additional Information
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don’t meet all requirements, still apply. We welcome authentic applications and may reject AI-generated submissions.
For informal discussion, contact Kelly Ward, Deputy Manager, on 01502 674803 or 07732 603804. You will be required to attend a Warner Interview as part of the recruitment process. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship due to part-time hours and salary level.
Closing date: 11:30 pm, 2 November 2025. This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and 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 with opportunities for flexible working and personal development. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of those we serve and to building an inclusive, diverse workforce.
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