Full job descriptionSuffolk County Council are seeking Residential Youth Support Practitioners based in Bury St Edmunds. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis. The successful candidate will earn a competitive salary of £33,973 per annum (pro rata for part time) which includes a salary of £29,542 plus 15% unsociable hours allowance £4,431 (pro rata for part time).
At Suffolk County Council, we believe that when our people grow, our communities thrive. That’s why we are looking for passionate Youth Support Practitioners to join our team. We are committed to providing a nurturing environment for vulnerable children and young people.
As a Youth Support Practitioner in the Bury St Edmunds home, you’ll work with colleagues, partners, and communities to build trust, share ideas, and deliver services that make a lasting impact.
Reimagine the possibilities.
Bury St Edmunds 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 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 deserves a safe and supportive environment where they can thrive.
If you are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable young people and can work fixed shifts, we want to hear from you. This rewarding role offers the chance to change futures in a home from home.
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 in the county. You will help children 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:
*promote the development of children and young people within the environment
*safeguard all children from threats to their health and welfare
*maintain a safe and sensitive atmosphere that meets the needs of the children
*develop and maintain good relationships with parents, social workers, teachers, and other professionals
*maintain accurate and detailed records
*deliver effective communications within the Home and with outside agencies and the community
*assist in planning and implementing care plans for children in collaboration with other professionals
*administer children’s medication in accordance with procedures
*attend and participate in team meetings and supervisions.
You will need:
*a willingness to undertake training as required to update knowledge and skills
*to either hold a full and current driving licence and have access to personal transport or meet the mobility requirements of the role through other reasonable and suitable means
*to be able to work fixed shifts to provide 24/7 coverage.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile. 
The homes operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
You will work 37 hours per week on a rolling rota, including a mixture of early, daytime, evening and sleep-in shifts. Typical shifts include 7am–2pm, 7am–7pm, 11am–11pm, 10am–11pm and 5pm–11pm followed by a sleep-in, alongside some shorter shifts such as 10am–2pm.
The rota also includes weekends and bank holidays, providing a varied working pattern rather than a standard Monday-to-Friday week.
This means:
consistent staffing: Ensures staff are always present during critical times, providing stability for the children

meeting individual needs: The rota helps in planning and implementing effective care plans

team collaboration: Structured rota allows for effective communication and teamwork

flexibility within structure: While the rota is fixed, it strives to offer some flexibility to accommodate staff needs.

Benefits:
*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.
*Monthly supervision sessions
*Excellent benefits package.
*Salary includes a salary of £29,542 plus 15% unsociable hours allowance £4,431 (pro rata for part time)
*Sleep-in duties are an additional contractual requirement. For these duties, you will receive National Minimum Wage for the hours you are rostered to sleep, in addition to your salary.
The team
At Bury St Edmunds Children’s Home, you’ll join a dedicated team providing round-the-clock care for children and teenagers aged 8-17. 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 home 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.
Closing date: 11.30 pm, 18 November 2026.
If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this Residential Youth Support Practitioners role, even if you don’t meet all the requirements, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
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. #LI-Onsite