Youth Practitioner - Harbour

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The priorities for our Dorset children are; that they stay in Dorset, which is the best place for them to live, that they are given the best start in life through good care provision and the best education and training opportunities, which enable them to thrive and be the best they can be.

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 work will include some evening, weekend work including sleep‑ins for which there is an allowance and bank holidays. We are a flexible employer and would welcome a discussion around a variety of hours to be mutually agreeable.

The Harbour/College House residential home and outreach service for 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 supporting our children and young people to thrive.

We will provide you with an extensive induction and training including a level 4 certificate in therapeutic care where required. You will also be given regular supervision and access to some great employee benefits and LGPS pension scheme working for Dorset Council. We encourage applicants to visit us to allow you to get a better sense of who we are, what the job involves and to ask any questions you may have.

Dorset has a comprehensive training programme which supports your professional growth and development. Whether you're experienced or just starting out, we will equip you with the skills, confidence, and qualifications to succeed.

• fully funded Level 3 Diploma in Childcare or the nationally recognised Level 4 Therapeutic Certificate in Childcare
• support with Maths & English if needed

• structured onboarding programme to help you settle in
• safeguarding, trauma‑informed care, and behaviour management
• first aid and health & safety

• 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

• clear routes to Senior Youth Practitioner and Team Leader roles
• leadership programmes, coaching, and mentoring

At the harbour, we never give up. No matter what, we stick with the child. Our service is designed to wrap around a child’s needs, rather than trying to make them fit around ours. We have an evidence informed approach to risk and we are heavily invested in a supportive working environment, including a whole 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.  to hear more about the The Harbour on Vimeo.

You will be passionate and aspirational in supporting young people through a variety of activities which will help you build a strong and resilient relationship which will be sustained. Activities will include introducing children and young people to new environments, sports, arts and leisure as well as supporting them in education training and employment and promoting a clean safe and nurturing home environment in which they can develop skills for independence.

You will form positive relationships with our children, young people and families and together, work productively with families, partner agencies and allocated social workers to identify and achieve the best outcomes for our children. You will work to mend relationships and reunify families when appropriate to do so. You will be aspirational in outlook and flexible in delivery, to promote growth, learning and responsibility.

You will be able to work autonomously and as part of a team responding flexibly to dynamic situations. We are aspirational for our staff as well as our…