Assistant Practitioner (Secure Accommodation)

Be there for young people when they need you most – and we’ll be there for you. Join us as an Assistant Practitioner at Clayfields House, where you can make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people.

Job Summary

Clayfields House, a Secure Children’s Home run by Nottinghamshire County Council, is looking for a committed, compassionate Assistant Practitioner to join our residential care team. This is a demanding yet highly rewarding role where your consistency, empathy and resilience will directly influence the safety, stability and futures of our young people.

As an Assistant Practitioner, you will play a key role in day-to-day life within the home. You’ll build positive, professional relationships with young people, support structured routines, and contribute to an environment where they feel safe, respected and able to grow. Through consistency, clear boundaries and encouragement, you will help young people develop confidence, resilience and essential life skills.

As an Assistant Practitioner you’ll be

• Engaging with young people to encourage their personal development and well-being.
• Planning and delivering enriching activities
• Working as part of a supportive team to create a safe and nurturing environment.
• Acting as a positive role model to our young people.

You will also work 1:1 with an identified young person each week, delivering targeted life skills sessions such as budgeting, cooking, fitness or confidence-building. No two days are the same. One evening you might be running a Bake Off. The next, organising a 5-a-side football league or teaching a new creative skill. Your interests and personality matter here.

You don’t need previous experience working in a secure home- we will train you.

What matters most is

• A minimum of 6 months experience of working with children and young people.
• Understanding of the physical, emotional, and mental health needs of vulnerable young people.
• Resilience and adaptability to thrive in a challenging environment.
• Ability to set and maintain appropriate boundaries while providing support.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and contribute to a positive atmosphere.
• Creativity to engage young people in meaningful activities

Soft Skills

• Enthusiasm, passion and commitment to supporting young people in becoming the best version of themselves.
• Strong communication skills
• Empathy and compassion to understand the needs of vulnerable individuals.
• Problem-solving mindset, focusing on solutions rather than challenges.
• Ability to connect with young people and be relatable.
• Assertiveness and confidence in your approach to support and setting boundaries.
• A sense of humour to connect with young people and create a positive environment.

About Clayfields House

At Clayfields House, we provide secure care, education, and specialist interventions for up to 20 young people aged 10-18 with complex needs. These young people come to us due to youth justice issues or welfare concerns, often having faced difficult care histories and traumatic experiences. We believe that everyone can achieve positive change, and we need positive thinkers to help us create a ‘centre of excellence’ for those in our care.

Working Hours and Benefits

• You’ll work on a three-week rotating shift pattern, which includes evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
• You will get paid an additional 0.33 an hour for every hour worked after 8pm during the week and an additional 0.5 an hour for weekend working.
• All contracted staff receive a Market Factor Supplement of £2,460 per year (full-time), pro rata for part-time roles.
• Both full time (37 hour) and part time (25 hour) positions are available.

As an employee of Nottinghamshire County Council, you will benefit from:

• A comprehensive induction programme.
• Access to significant training, supervision, and development opportunities.
• A supportive and enthusiastic team environment.
• Generous annual leave entitlement above statutory requirements.
• Participation in the local government pension scheme with a 6.5% employer contribution.

Why Join Us?

Working at Clayfields House is challenging- but it is also meaningful, purposeful, and deeply rewarding. You’ll be part of a service where teamwork matters, your voice is heard, and your work genuinely changes lives.

NCC will not offer sponsorship for this role.

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