Youth Support Practitioner

Overview

Suffolk County Council are looking to recruit a Youth Support Practitioner to join our team based at Lowestoft Children's Home (Onsite). The position is part time, permanent. The salary is £32,887 per annum (pro rata), with additional payment for rostered sleep-in duties (see benefits). The hourly rate is £17.04, including the base rate of £14.82 plus a 15% unsociable hours allowance.

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 positive outcomes in education, health, and social and recreational activities, and 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 (Rota chart for 22 hours per week), we want to hear from you. This rewarding role offers the chance to change futures in a home-from-home.

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

• a willingness to undertake training as required to update knowledge and skills
• to hold a full and current driving licence with access to personal transport or meet the mobility requirements of the role through other 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.
• Fixed shifts are 7am – 6pm and 5:30pm – 11:30pm with sleep-in duty.
• Consistent staffing provides stability for the children and supports effective care plans.
• The rota supports planning, teamwork, and flexibility within structure.

• 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, with pay at national minimum wage for the hours rostered to sleep, on top of salary

At Lowestoft Children's Home, you will 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. Each member brings unique skills and experiences, fostering a supportive atmosphere that encourages personal growth. The home, a large, detached house with a spacious garden in a pleasant residential area, focuses on building strong, trusting relationships with the children and addressing their social, emotional, and mental health needs.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. This authority is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Closing date: 11.30 pm, 15 February 2026.

You will be required to attend a Warner Interview for this position as part of the recruitment process. If you think you have what it takes to be successful in the Youth Support Practitioner role, even if you don’t meet all the requirements, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.