Dorset Council UK
Youth Practitioner (Level 1)
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Dorset Council Youth Practitioner Opportunity
Dorset Council is committed to creating environments where children and young people can thrive. This is an exciting opportunity to join a developing service as a Youth Practitioner, initially delivering outreach support to children, young people and families in their own homes and local communities across Dorset.
In this role, you will work directly with children and young people with disabilities, supporting them to build independence, develop life skills, and access meaningful opportunities within their communities. You will also work alongside families, social workers and partner agencies to provide consistent, person-centred support tailored to each child.
As the service evolves, the role will expand to include working within a new short break provision on the Isle of Portland, providing structured, nurturing care as part of a small team. This is a unique opportunity to help shape and develop a growing service from the ground up.
At Dorset Council, our priority is that children remain in Dorset, receive the best possible care and support, and are given the opportunities they need to achieve their full potential.
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What You Can Expect To Be Doing
- Supporting children and young people in their homes and communities to develop independence, confidence and life skills
- Helping children access activities, social opportunities, and community resources
- Building positive, trusting relationships with children, young people and their families
- Working in partnership with social workers and other professionals as part of a ‘team around the child’
- Delivering personalised support in line with care plans and outcomes
- Promoting inclusion, participation and emotional wellbeing
- As the service develops, providing care and support within a short break setting on the Isle of Portland
About You
You will be:
- A kind, caring and compassionate person with a genuine passion for improving the lives of children and young people
- Ambitious for the children you support, with a creative and flexible approach to meeting individual needs
- Confident working both independently in outreach settings and as part of a team
- Able to build strong relationships with families and professionals
- Committed to inclusion and supporting children with disabilities to thrive
- Experienced in working with children and families (paid or relevant lived experience considered)
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Training and Development
We are aspirational for our staff as well as the children we support. Dorset Council offers a comprehensive training and development programme to help you succeed and progress.
Professional Qualifications
- Fully funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare
- Opportunity to progress to Level 4 Therapeutic qualifications
- Support with Maths and English where required
Core Training
- Structured induction programme
- Safeguarding, trauma-informed practice and behaviour management
- First aid and health & safety
Ongoing Development
- Reflective supervision and peer learning
- Access to e-learning and specialist training
- Development in areas such as child development and neurodiversity
Career Progression
- Clear pathways to Senior Youth Practitioner and Team Leader roles
- Leadership development, coaching and mentoring
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