We are looking for an aspiring Residential Youth Support Worker to join our team based in Stowmarket. You will join us on either a part time or full time, permanent basis working between 18.5 and 37 hours per week. In return, you will receive a competitive salary of £31,868 per annum pro rata which includes a salary of £27,711 plus 15% unsociable hours allowance of £4,157 per annum pro rata.

At Suffolk County Council, we believe that when our people grow, our communities thrive. That's why we're looking for passionate Youth Support Practitioners to join our team. We are committed to providing a nurturing environment for vulnerable children and young people. Our Stowmarket Children's Home offers round-the-clock care for up to 5 children and teenagers aged 8 -17. 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, we want to hear from you. This rewarding role offers the chance to change futures in a home from home.

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.

You will:

• 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.

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.

24/7 Coverage: 

The home operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  

• Fixed shifts: Shifts are 7am-6pm, 11am-11pm, and 5pm-11pm with sleep-in duty
• Consistent staffing: Ensures staff are always present during critical times, providing stability for the children
• Meeting individual needs: The rota helps in planning and implementing effective care plans
• Team collaboration: Structured rota allows for effective communication and teamwork
• Flexibility within structure: While the rota is fixed, it strives to offer some flexibility to accommodate staff needs.

Benefits:

• Funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare
• Monthly supervision sessions
• Excellent benefits package.

The team 

At Stowmarket Children's Home, you'll join a dedicated team providing round-the-clock care for up to five children and teenagers aged 8-17. 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, addressing their social, emotional, and mental health needs, and helping them overcome past traumas. By working closely with parents, social workers, teachers, and other professionals, the team ensures each child's needs are met and they receive the best possible care and support

Closing date: 11.30pm, 23 April 2025.

Interview date: 30 April 2025.

If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this Residential Youth Support Worker role, even if you don’t meet all the requirements, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.