Practitioner (Secure Accommodation)

The Children and Families Department takes a strengths-based approach to working with each other, children, young people and families, and our partner agencies. We call this 'Our Nottinghamshire Approach'. Watch the two minute animation to learn more.

Clayfields House, a Secure Children's Home operated by Nottinghamshire County Council, is looking for compassionate, motivated, and resilient Practitioners to join our dedicated team. This is a demanding yet highly rewarding role where your care, commitment, and creativity will directly support some of the most vulnerable young people in the country.

As a Practitioner, you will play a central role in the day-to-day life of the home. You'll build positive, professional relationships with young people, support structured routines, and help create an environment where they feel safe, respected, and able to grow. Through consistency, clear boundaries, and encouragement, you will support young people to develop confidence, resilience, and essential life skills, while delivering purposeful activities and meaningful 1 1 key work sessions.

This is a fast paced role, requiring resilience, strong decision making skills and a commitment to making a lasting difference in the lives of young people.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing day to day care and support to our young people.
• Advocating for their needs and well being.
• Writing reports and attending meetings and reviews.
• Building positive relationships with young people, including those who may be difficult to engage.
• Leading shifts: As a shift leader, you will complete all relevant paperwork and ensure appropriate and purposeful activities are delivered to the young people.

Required Skills and Qualifications

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

• A relevant qualification in social care, youth work, or a related field.
• Experience working with young people, particularly those who are vulnerable or at risk, in residential care or alternative setting.
• Strong communication skills to effectively engage with young people and colleagues.
• The ability to work in a challenging environment with resilience and empathy.
• The ability to establish and maintain appropriate boundaries with young people.
• Basic IT skills to manage records and reports effectively.

Soft Skills

• Enthusiasm, passion and commitment to supporting young people in becoming the best version of themselves.
• The ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Resilience and flexibility to adapt to changing situations and needs.
• Assertiveness and confidence in your approach to support.
• Creativity to engage young people in meaningful activities.
• A sense of humour to connect with young people and create a positive environment.
• A positive attitude and a willingness to learn and grow in the role.

About Clayfields House

At Clayfields House, we provide secure care, education, and specialist interventions for up to 20 young people aged 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 to a three week shift pattern, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays. Opportunities for sleep in duties are available.
• 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.

Benefits as County Council Employee

• 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.

For informal discussion regarding this position, please telephone and ask to speak to the Team Manager.

NCC will not offer sponsorship for this role.

Appointment to this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Nottinghamshire County Council strives to ensure that it goes beyond the requirements of the Equalities Act and prides itself on being accredited as a Disability Confident Leader Organisation. Under the Disability Confident scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme) we would like to ensure applicants with disabilities are offered an interview if they meet the minimum criteria for a job. Please let us know if this is something you would like to be considered for.

A job share scheme is available for all full time posts: both permanent and temporary, unless otherwise stated.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks.

Nottinghamshire County Council strongly encourages applications from all candidates from different walks of life, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, religion, belief, pregnancy and maternity status, age or sexual orientation.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity please contact Paul Baird on or by email .