Job Description

We are excited to be expanding our CWAD (Children who are disabled) Residential Services in Dorset for children and young people, by providing an Outreach Service, initially based in Weymouth. This service will cover outreach support in the community throughout Dorset, for children who have or who are experiencing learning or physical difficulties.



You will play a key role providing a range of interventions to prevent children entering residential care, provide stability within their homes or to access full and meaningful day to day experiences in the community. This will be alongside working within our CWAD Residential Homes providing support to our children who live there.


We are looking for caring, committed and positive individuals to join our supportive team of Youth Practitioners, working within our residential homes and in the local community supporting our children and young people to thrive. Experience or understanding of neurodiversity, including ADHD and Autism, would be beneficial in helping you support our young people effectively.



We will provide you with an extensive induction and training package including access to a Level 4 Certificate in Therapeutic Care or a Level 3 Qualification depending on circumstance. You will also be given regular supervision and access to some great employee benefits and LGPS pension scheme working for Dorset Council.



We encourage applicants to visit us to allow you to get a better sense of who we are, what the job involves and to ask any questions you may have.

What you will be doing

Youth practitioners will be positive role models for our young people and will have working knowledge of Safeguarding Practices, PACE and therapeutic approaches. Experience or working knowledge of how neurodiversity can impact individuals would be beneficial, however full training is available for you to be able to support our young people with confidence. You will be resilient, reflective and professionally curious about our young people's lives and journeys.



You will have the ability to professionally nurture our children and young people and be passionate and aspirational in your support and care.



You will support children and young people, encouraging their independence in tasks such as cooking and personal care skills. You will organise and join in with daily activities, liaise with the wider group of professions such as education, health and social care.




You will become a member of our supportive team as well as work independently when required.


You will be involved with writing and updating care plans, risk assessments and behaviour support plans and think of creative ways to help children make their own choices, flourish, have fun and develop life skills.



This role is offered on a full time/permanent contract. Residential shifts will include weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis as we are a 24hr service, however we welcome discussions around rota flexibility.



Additional allowances are payable for sleep in duties, weekend work and bank holidays.

About you

We are looking for individuals who:


Are caring, motivated, fun and enthusiastic. Are passionate and thoughtful about the care you provide and the opportunities you create. Have the confidence to form connections with children and young people and develop positive relationships with them. Can learn and use different approaches to care and follow individual care plans and safeguarding procedures Are curious about barriers for our young people and think creatively to find solutions to overcome them Are willing to achieve the skills and knowledge to develop your practice. Are keen to improve the lives and opportunities of children and young people who are disabled and their families. Can demonstrate resilience within your role and work effectively with your team.


This post requires significant travel. You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed.



This post involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them. It will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. See our policy on the employment of ex-offenders.



See our policy on safeguarding children and young people.



The friends and family referral scheme applies to this post. If an employee recommended this post to you, mention them when asked on your application form.



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