At Suffolk County Council, collaboration is at the heart of what we do.
As Youth Support Practitioners in the Stowmarket home, you will work with colleagues, partners, and communities to build trust, share ideas, and deliver services that make a lasting impact.
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Reimagine the possibilities.
Stowmarket Children’s Home is a mixed-gender residential homes for children and young people aged 8 - 17 years old. We provide support for the children and young people 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. We believe every child and young person deserves a safe and supportive environment where they can thrive.
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 and young people in the county. You will help those 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:
You will need:
Take a look at what makes our Ideal Worker, shaped by the voices of young people: find out more
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The homes operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, which means:
Benefits
The team
You will join a dedicated team providing round-the-clock care. 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 homes, large, detached houses with spacious gardens in pleasant residential areas, 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.
Empowering Everyone
We are big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We are always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in ourWorkforce Equality Report
For more information
For a casual chat, please contact Mitch Aalders, Deputy Manager, by calling 07712 402596
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word)
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload asupporting statementanswering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word)
Explain a situation where you had to ensure the safety and well-being of a child or young person. What actions did you take, and how did you ensure that the child's needs were met?
This role requires working fixed shifts, including weekends and bank holidays. Can you provide an example of how you have managed your time effectively while working in a role with similar shift requirements? How do you ensure that you maintain a healthy work-life balance while meeting the demands of fixed shifts?
Give an example of a situation where you had to communicate effectively with a young person who was experiencing emotional distress. How did you handle the situation, and what was the outcome?
Transition periods in children’s homes can be particularly challenging and may sometimes require physical interventions to ensure a child’s safety. Can you describe how you would approach carrying out such interventions, and how you would work to rebuild trust and relationships with the child afterward?
Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences, so we encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the process. You can also read our Using AI in Your Application and Interview guidance to understand acceptable and unacceptable use of AI. If AI is used inappropriately, your application may not be progressed.
Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at: recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412 You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages If you're invited to the next stage, you’ll have another chance to request adjustments.
Closing date 11.30 pm, 5 July 2026.
You will be required to attend a Warner Interview for this position as part of the recruitment process.
[For SJD Enhanced] Promoted as FJ (Featured Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.
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 (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk)
Reimagine the possibilities.
As one of the largest employers in Suffolk, we have a huge variety of exciting careers to offer people as keen to make a positive impact on the world around them as we are.
As a modern, flexible, and effective council, we’re driven to make a difference to the environment, the communities we serve, and the careers of our people. We explore innovative ways to encourage, respect, and enable everyone to be the best they can be.
By creating meaningful connections with our people and our partner organisations, we’ve built a culture of mutual collaboration, trust, and respect where everyone is supported to be their authentic selves.
We aim to inspire and empower. To improve and evolve. To develop and innovate. To take pride and ownership of the world around us and ensure that we leave a positive and lasting legacy. That’s why it’s time to reimagine a career with the council and take a fresh look at what we can offer you.
