Job Description

Residential Children's Practitioner Level 1-2 | 8684 | secondment opportunity/temporary contract to cover maternity leave for 12 months | 37 hours per week | 25,584 to 32,654 per annum pro rata plus weekend enhancements | Grade E/G depending on experience and qualifications | Norwich

Young people are at the heart of our practice at Norfolk County Council. They have established key principles for their ideal worker to help them flourish. Please ensure you read these requirements carefully and apply only if you can fully commit to them.

To apply, please download an

application form

and attach it to your online application instead of your CV.

At Norfolk County Council our commitment to providing proven, quality, holistic residential care for children and young people aged 05-17 aims to achieve excellent outcomes and lasting results. We are passionate about the provision of creative and ambitious opportunities for our young people. Our services are well regarded, and we are proud of our reputation of ensuring the best outcomes for children and young people.



Foxwood short breaks home provides round the clock care for children and young people and requires practitioners to work a variety of shifts, this is predominately a day role however it could also include working nights when required.



We need highly motivated, resilient, and positive team members with humour, tenacity and empathy to help children and young people to flourish and reach their full potential. We are seeking an experienced individual who can lead shifts and to support and guide junior staff. We value your life experiences, energy, personal strength and positive mental attitude.


Our team work across the whole week (including weekends and bank holidays) and can include unsociable hours, night work, sleep ins. This post is predominately during the day however there may be a require to sleep in on occasions.


Our approach to practice within Norfolk is underpinned by Children's Services practice vision 'Vital Signs for Children'. This enables us to work as a whole system and with a whole family approach to assessment and intervention. Using a relationship-based approach we work to build consistent and trusted relationships with children and families. We are strengths oriented in our practice, identifying and building on the strengths of families to create positive change. Using outcome-focused practice we are committed to achieving the best outcomes for children, young people and their families.


Following a thorough induction and training programme, your duties will include:


Supporting and providing meaningful day to day activities to children and young people develop their emotional and social needs by building positive relationships. Developing personal and practical skills to enhance young people's independence skills. Ensuring that children's and young people diverse communication needs are met ascertaining their views and wishes and these are acted upon where appropriate Reporting and recording key aspects of care and developing your professional skills as part of on-going development. Managing complex behaviours that can be challenging. Depending on the needs of the child/young person this may require you to provide personal intimate care and/or nursing care support to holistically support children and young people. Work in collaboration and also directly with families and other professionals to ensure best outcomes for children and young people. Hold or be willing to work towards the Level 3 Diploma for Residential Child Care (paid for).

In return we will offer you:

A supportive team who cares about your wellbeing and professional development We offer a generous annual leave entitlement - plus the opportunity to purchase up to two weeks of additional annual leave through our salary sacrifice scheme We offer maternity, paternity and adoption pay and time off to support you as your family grows. There is an independently run nursery within the Norfolk County Council grounds which offers priority spaces to our employees We offer support if you care for relatives or friends who are older, disabled or seriously ill We are committed to promoting the health, safety and wellbeing of our social workers. We provide access to services that support your health and wellbeing, such as confidential counselling and advice, fast-track physiotherapy and NHS Health Checks for employees over 40 NCC Pension scheme Meals whilst working o shift Cycle to work scheme

To apply, please download an

application form

and attach it to your online application instead of your CV.

For an informal discussion please contact Nichola Hanton (Team Manager) or Derek Hern (Assistant Team Manager) on 01603 692450



Before you apply, we recommend reading the full and Person Specification to help you demonstrate you meet the criteria. Please find links below:

Residential Children's Practitioner Level 1

Residential Children's Practitioner Level 2

These are some benefits you can enjoy by working for Norfolk County Council:


Competitive salary Generous holiday entitlement Health and Wellbeing services including fast-track physiotherapy and a free counselling service Flexible working opportunities including flexi-time, part time, remote and hybrid working - dependent on your job role and business need. Financial benefits such as: + ' Norfolk Rewards' our employee discounts programme which helps you save money on almost anything, from everyday groceries and clothes, to holidays, new technology, gym membership, trips to the cinema and days out.
+ A Blue Light card for Fire Service and Social Care Workers
+ Relocation expenses (where applicable)
+ An advance of your expenses if you travel for work
+ Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution, life assurance, death in service payments and dependants' pensions.
+ Tax efficient ways of getting extra pension and new bikes
+ Access to our tax efficient car lease scheme for greener travel enabling you to lease a brand new, ultra-low emission vehicle (subject to eligibility)
A payment if you refer someone you know to a hard to fill job
+

You can find information on our Terms and Conditions here.

Already a Norfolk County Council employee?

See and apply for internal and external vacancies in myOracle using your @norfolk.gov.uk or @nccal.ac.uk email.

We would like to make you aware that priority consideration for this post may be given to current employees who are at risk due to restructure within the organisation or are in a redeployment position.

Redeployment closing date: 10/08/2025 23:59

All other applicants closing date: 18/08/2025 23:59

We have miles of beautiful coastline and our unique Broads, thriving market towns and a city with a proud cultural heritage. Our economy is growing and driven by innovation in a number of sectors, including energy and food. We also have ambitious plans for new housing and a building programme for schools across Norfolk. Our county a great place to live, work and visit, and is an excellent environment for businesses to start, grow and innovate.


We are the main local authority for Norfolk providing services countywide to more than 850,000 Norfolk residents. We take the lead in critical policy areas, working with 84 elected Members responsible for the strategic local government services in the county.




We provide a high quality service through involving people who use our services to shape and comment on them and by promoting efficiency and innovation.




We work in partnership with local businesses, voluntary organisations and other local authorities such as District and Parish Councils to provide the people of Norfolk with excellent services.