Assistant Practitioner; Secure Accommodation

Market Factor Supplement £2,460 per annum (pro rata)

Type of vacancy:
Permanent
Work pattern:
Full Time, Part Time

Work hours:

37 hours (full time) or 25 hours (part time)

Clayfields House Secure Unit, 18-20 Moorbridge Lane, Nottingham, NG9 8GU

The Children and Families Department approaches work from a strengths‑based perspective, working with children, young people, families and partner agencies under our 'Our Nottinghamshire Approach'. Watch the two minute animation to learn more.

Clayfields House, a Secure Children’s Home run by Nottinghamshire County Council, is looking for a committed, compassionate Assistant Practitioner to join our residential care team. The role is demanding yet highly rewarding; your consistency, empathy and resilience will directly influence the safety, stability and futures of the young people.

• Engage with young people to encourage their personal development and well‑being.
• Plan and deliver enriching activities.
• Work as part of a supportive team to create a safe and nurturing environment.
• Act as a positive role model for the young people.
• Work one‑to‑one with an identified young person each week, delivering targeted life‑skills sessions such as budgeting, cooking, fitness or confidence‑building.

You will also deliver the varied schedule: from running a Bake Off to organising a 5‑a‑side football league or teaching a new creative skill. Your interests and personality matter here.

No previous experience in a secure home is required – we will train you.

What matters most:

• Minimum of 6 months working with children and young people.
• Understanding of the physical, emotional and mental health needs of vulnerable young people.
• Resilience and adaptability to thrive in a challenging environment.
• Ability to set and maintain appropriate boundaries while providing support.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and contribute to a positive atmosphere.
• Creativity to engage young people in meaningful activities.

• Enthusiasm, passion and commitment to supporting young people in becoming the best version of themselves.
• Empathy and compassion to understand the needs of vulnerable individuals.
• Problem‑solving mindset, focusing on solutions rather than challenges.
• Ability to connect with young people and be relatable.
• Assertiveness and confidence in setting boundaries.
• A sense of humour to create a positive environment.

Clayfields House provides secure care, education and specialist interventions for up to 20 young people aged 10‑18 with complex needs. These young people come to us due to youth justice issues or welfare concerns, often having faced difficult care histories and traumatic experiences. We believe everyone can achieve positive change and need positive thinkers to help us create a ‘centre of excellence’ for those in our care.

• A three‑week rotating shift pattern, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
• Additional compensation of 0.33 pence per hour for work after 8 pm during the week and 0.5 pence for weekend working.
• All contracted staff receive the Market Factor Supplement of £2,460 per year (full time), pro rata for part‑time roles.
• Full time (37 hour) and part time (25 hour) positions available.

As an employee of Nottinghamshire County Council you will benefit from:

• Significant training, supervision and development opportunities.
• A supportive and enthusiastic team environment.
• Generous annual leave entitlement above statutory requirements.
• Participation in the local government pension scheme with a 6.5 % employer contribution.

Working at Clayfields House is challenging – but also meaningful, purposeful and deeply rewarding. You’ll be part of a service where teamwork matters, your voice is heard, and your work genuinely changes lives.

• NCC will not offer sponsorship for this role.
• Appointment to this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
• Our job share scheme is available for all full‑time posts, both permanent and temporary, unless otherwise stated.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of…