Dorset Council UK
Youth Practitioner - Level 1
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Youth Practitioner – Wimborne, Dorset
Dorset is dedicated to creating supportive environments where children and young people can thrive. We are seeking an inspiring and compassionate Youth Practitioner to join our growing service in Wimborne, providing care and support in a short break setting while also helping shape future outreach work for children and families in their homes.
About Our Commitment to Children
Our priorities for Dorset’s young people are clear:
- Keeping children in Dorset as their best place to live
- Offering the best early care and education opportunities
- Proactively ensuring they grow into happy and successful adults
In this role, as a Youth Practitioner, your mission will be to create a safe, nurturing environment where children and young people with disabilities—and the families who support them—can build confidence, develop coping strategies, and reach their potential.
About the Team
We recognise that inspiring staff play a vital role in shaping futures. If you’re ambitious, supportive, and eager to work collaboratively, Dorset is the right place for you—a council committed to development, expertise, and investing in your professional success from day one.
Dorset offers a comprehensive training programme tailored to your needs and career goals, whether you’re starting out or already experienced:
Professional Qualifications
- Fully funded Level 3 Diploma in Childcare or a Level 4 Therapeutic Certificate in Childcare
- Support to further your Maths & English qualifications if needed
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Core Skills & Induction
- Structured onboarding to help you settle in smoothly
- Essential training in safeguarding, trauma-informed care, and behaviour management
- First aid and health & safety workshops
Ongoing Development
- Monthly reflective supervision and peer learning sessions
- Access to e-learning modules, workshops, and specialist training, including in therapeutic care, attachment theory, and neurodiversity
- In-depth training to deepen your understanding of child development
Career Progression
- Clear pathways to Senior Youth Practitioner & Team Leader roles
- Leadership programmes, coaching, mentoring, and growth opportunities
What You Will Be Responsible For
You will deliver compassionate, hands-on support to young people to help them:
- Engage in daily activities and community participation
- Develop life skills and confidence
- Approach challenges with creativity and flexibility
- Form lasting positive relationships with emotional openness
You’ll work both independently and as part of your team—collaborating with families, social workers, and partner agencies to determine and deliver personalised support plans.
This role sets high expectations:
- Youth Practitioners are aspirational for young people’s futures and empower them to succeed
- Passion, adaptability, and a genuine desire to make a difference are essential
- Practice is rooted in trauma and inclusion, ensuring vulnerable children receive the best possible opportunities
What You Bring
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Candidates are sought for their warmth, dedication, and drive to support children and families in demonstrating their best selves. Some key traits we value:
✅ Passion for helping children thrive – You want to make a noticeable difference in young people's lives ✅ Flexibility & Creativity – We believe young people benefit from tailored approaches that meet their individual needs—you should be equipped to innovate and improvise ✅ Ambition & Positivity – For children, their families, and your own professional growth ✅ Personal Stretch – Whether a recent graduate engaging with childcare or a seasoned practitioner seeking new challenges ✅ Team Spirit & Collaboration – You thrive setting effective team relationships, especially with social workers and partner agencies ✅ Self-Assurance & Independent Mindedness – Making decisions and taking initiative while instilling confidence in young people develops their problem-solving skills
Experience Required
- Some prior experience working with children or vulnerable families
- Ready to mindset yourself to developing new relationship-based skills and approaches
Ready to Create Change?
Dorset’s role of Youth Practitioner offers the chance to be a catalyst for progress in young people's lives. Join us as we passionately advocate for opportunities that help children overcome challenges and become resilient, independent individuals.
Apply today to start an inspiring career where you make the difference—and you’re supported on every step.
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