Children's Homes

Roles that focus on overseeing the general welfare of children in children's homes, acting as caretakers and role models.

Introduction to the service

Suffolk County Council's Children's Homes provide care and support for young people aged 11-16 with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties.

In our 5 homes across the county, we strive to create a nurturing environment where each child feels safe, cared for, and empowered. We work closely with the young people, their families, and other professionals to address issues affecting them and help them build self-esteem and self-determination.

Partnership is key. By collaborating and building trust, we develop placement plans tailored to each child's unique needs. Our goal is to equip them with the tools to overcome challenges and realise their potential.

You could play an integral role in making a positive impact on these young people's lives, and help our homes feel like a safe place where they can learn, grow, and thrive.

Job Roles

Though challenging at times, this is a deeply rewarding career path for those passionate about positively impacting young lives.

Your primary role will be developing relationships to help our young people feel secure and supported. Promoting their growth, safeguarding their wellbeing, and providing a stable environment are central to your work. Collaboration with Social Workers, families, and professionals is crucial to developing and implementing customised plans for each young person.

Record-keeping, administering medication, attending meetings, and assisting with personal issues are key responsibilities.

A compassionate, child-centred approach allows you to nurture their unique strengths and help them thrive. Your optimism and dedication can make a real difference in helping these children gain confidence and skills.

You will lead a dedicated team, ensuring each young person in your home receives excellent care. You'll serve as a link between your staff and the manager to coordinate daily operations and provide support at every step.

In addition to overseeing shift planning and management, you'll prioritise caring for young people and creating positive memories. Watching their growth and development is a highlight of the job – and we promise the rewards are worth the challenges.

You'll need proven experience working in residential childcare, ability to serve as a role model, and commitment to training and development. Strong communication skills and teamwork are essential. Ultimately, your leadership and dedication can greatly impact these young lives.

Training and Qualification opportunities

All new home staff receive robust training within their 6-month probation period, including restraint techniques, medication administration, our online system, safeguarding protocols, and first aid certification.

New practitioners also complete a 2-week shadowing phase with experienced staff before working independently.

After passing probation, we provide in-house training for the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare. Staff are assigned an assessor who conducts observations while practitioners’ complete coursework independently outside of work hours. This nationally recognised qualification develops key skills in caring for children in residential settings.

For ambitious practitioners looking to progress, we offer the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare. This advanced qualification equips candidates with expertise in areas like people management, finance, project management, and more to prepare them for management roles.

Our wide-ranging professional development opportunities enable staff to gain new skills and knowledge to benefit the children under our care. We invest in our teams so they can provide the best possible nurturing environment.

Children's Homes

Introduction to the service

Job Roles

Residential Youth Support Practitioner

Senior Residential Youth Support Practitioner

Training and Qualification opportunities