• Suffolk County Council, Beccles Children's Home, Beccles, Suffolk
• £30,151 per annum, plus 15% unsociable hours allowance (£4,523) pro rata
• Plus payments at minimum wage for any sleep-in duties performed as part of your rota and call duties performed as management cover
• £17.97 hourly rate (this includes the hourly rate of £15.63 plus the 15% unsociable hours allowance)
• 37 hours per week
• Permanent or Casual hours as and when required

We welcome applications from all, but particularly welcome minority ethnic applicants because they are under-represented in this directorate.

We are committed to flexible working, so please read the Job and Person Profile (docx) to find out about the types of flexible working available for this role.

If you are unable to commit permanently to the role and would like to join the team on a casual basis paid at a flat rate £12.70 per hour.

Why work in residential care

‘As a Senior Youth Support Practitioner, you lead a team of Youth Support Practitioners to ensure that the best level of care is offered for the children we care for. Seniors act as a link between the staff team and the Manager. We can plan and support the day-to-day running of shifts and make sure the children are happy. But our focus is caring for the children and helping them make memories. At times it can be challenging but knowing that we are helping improve the children's outcomes makes it worthwhile.’

Suffolk County Council is actively seeking a self-driven, flexible, highly motivated, and caring individual to join the team at Beccles Children’s Home, Elizabeth House.

Elizabeth House Children’s Home is a mixed-gendered home for up to 6 children aged 11 - 17 years old. We provide support for the child in our care to achieve the best possible outcomes in all aspects of their lives, including education, health, and social and fun activities, as well as supporting them to build positive and appropriate relationships.

The home welcomes applications from individuals who are actively seeking opportunities to explore careers within Social Care and individuals who:

• are able to bring personality, life skills, and experience to help our children and young people develop, grow and have fulfilling lives
• will be an integral part of a team that ensures every child and young person who walks through our doors feel welcome, cared for, safe and happy.
• are able to listen to children and families and work collaboratively with them
• are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
• are self-motivated and be able to work without constant supervision
• have the ability to remain calm in stressful situations

To enhance your development, full training will be provided regularly as well as monthly supervision with your line manager to ensure you feel supported within your role.

In addition to this, the home provides virtual clinical supervision by a seasoned professional. This does not only benefit your personal wellbeing but directly affects the experience of the children and young people within our care.

As a Senior Youth Support Practitioner, Suffolk County Council will provide you with a fully funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Child Care, to be completed within 2 years of employment required by Ofsted. You will also have the option to complete the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for residential Child Care to further your career within Social Care.

The home also welcomes applications from candidates who hold a suitable practitioner-level qualification at Level 3 for the Children and Young People’s Workforce or equivalent experience in a relevant area.

To be successful within the role you will need:

• knowledge and understanding of the role of a Residential Childcare Worker
• at least 2 years experience of working in a residential setting for children
• experience of being a role model when working with children or young adults
• the ability to work as part of the management team as well as a staff team
• good communication skills and a strong team ethos
• a commitment to training and development.

Travelling requirements for your role

In this role, you will be required to transport children, so you must either hold a full and current driving licence (or be working towards this) or meet the mobility requirements of the role through other reasonable and suitable means. The Children's Home has access to a pool car for use during your shift, for certain duties that may arise. If you require a reasonable adjustment due to a disability to meet the travel requirements of this role, please speak with the contact detailed below.

Our residential homes are open 365 days a year and you will need the ability to work flexibly (shift work and weekend working are a core part of the role, including bank holidays).

For more information

For an informal discussion about this role or casual roles we offer, please contact Michelle Ashman, Manager, on 07717 816390 or Kayleigh O’Neill, Deputy Manager, on 07547 981678.

How to apply

Step 1 - read the advert and the Job and Person Profile (docx).

Step 2 - Upload your CV (Curriculum Vitae) and complete the short online application form.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 29 May 2023

Interview date: w/c 5 June 2023.

If you are selected for an interview but are not available on this date, please make contact to arrange an alternative.

You will be required to attend a Warner Interview for this position as part of the recruitment process.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.

We offer a fantastic, inclusive working environment including diverse and active staff networks, great flexible working options and many benefits, as well as the opportunity to improve the lives of Suffolk residents.

Benefits include:

• Performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• The opportunity to join a large, diverse organisation, with career opportunities across our services
• A supportive culture, underpinned by our WE ASPIRE values
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Up to 28 days annual leave entitlement, plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• An occupational sick pay scheme
• Learning and development opportunities, including a range of work-based apprenticeships
• Flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
• A range of staff networks centred around equality groups
• Plus more

If you would like to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Working for Suffolk County Council pages (www.Suffolk.gov.uk/careers).