Youth Practitioner - Level 1

You will be a naturally caring person who can form and maintain positive relationships with our children, young people and families, as well as partner agencies and allocated social workers who form a team around the child. You will be ambitious for our children, creative and passionate to ensure children and young people who are disabled are supported to achieve the best outcomes and provide them with the opportunities to flourish.

You will be able to work independently and as part of a team and be flexible in approach so we can creatively support each child, as well as work together to find solutions.

We are looking for caring, committed and positive individuals to join our supportive team of Youth Practitioners, working within our residential homes and in the local community supporting our children and young people to thrive. Experience or understanding of neurodiversity, including ADHD and Autism, would be beneficial in helping you support our young people effectively.

We will provide you with an extensive induction and training package including access to a Level 4 Certificate in Therapeutic Care or a Level 3 Qualification depending on circumstance. You will also be given regular supervision and access to some great employee benefits and LGPS pension scheme working for Dorset Council.

Youth practitioners will be positive role models for our young people and will have working knowledge of Safeguarding Practices, PACE and therapeutic approaches. Experience or working knowledge of how neurodiversity can impact individuals would be beneficial, however full training is available for you to be able to support our young people with confidence. You will be resilient, reflective and professionally curious about our young people's lives and journeys.

You will have the ability to professionally nurture our children and young people and be passionate and aspirational in your support and care. You will support children and young people, encouraging their independence in tasks such as cooking and personal care skills. You will organise and join in with daily activities, liaise with the wider group of professions such as education, health and social care.

You will become a member of our supportive team as well as work independently when required. You will be involved with writing and updating care plans, risk assessments and behaviour support plans and think of creative ways to help children make their own choices, flourish, have fun and develop life skills.

We are looking for individuals who:

• Are caring, motivated, fun and enthusiastic.
• Are passionate and thoughtful about the care you provide and the opportunities you create.
• Have the confidence to form connections with children and young people and develop positive relationships with them.
• Can learn and use different approaches to care and follow individual care plans and safeguarding procedures
• Are curious about barriers for our young people and think creatively to find solutions to overcome them
• Are willing to achieve the skills and knowledge to develop your practice.
• Are keen to improve the lives and opportunities of children and young people who are disabled and their families.
• Can demonstrate resilience within your role and work effectively with your team.