Youth & Family Support Apprentice (Prefer Homes)

Introduction

We’re recruiting a Children, Young People & Families Practitioner Apprentice to join Prefer Homes. You’ll support young people and families to improve wellbeing and access services, gaining experience in an Ofsted-regulated supported accommodation service for 16-18s and 18+ care leavers.

About the Employer

Prefer Homes is a supported accommodation Ofsted Regulated provider based in Stockton-on-Tees, delivering safe, high-quality accommodation and tailored support for young people aged 16–18 in the care of local authorities LAC Children. The organisation specialises in helping individuals develop the life skills, confidence, and resilience needed to live independently, through person-centred support, education engagement, and wellbeing-focused services. With a dedicated and experienced staff team, Prefer Homes creates a nurturing environment where young people can feel secure, achieve their goals, and successfully transition into adulthood.

What You'll Do

As a Children, Young People & Families Practitioner Apprentice, you will join the team at Prefer Homes, supporting children, young people, and families within a housing and community setting while working towards your Level 4 Apprenticeship. This role offers valuable hands-on experience, enabling you to develop the skills, knowledge, and behaviours required to deliver effective early intervention, promote wellbeing, and help families sustain stable move on tenancies and independent living.

You will play a key role in building trusted, meaningful relationships with children and families, ensuring that safeguarding remains a top priority in all aspects of your work.

Key duties include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting the day-to-day delivery of family support services to create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment
• Working directly with children, young people, and families to assess needs and set realistic, achievable goals
• Providing daily practical support and helping individuals develop essential life skills to promote independence
• Supporting young adults to gain and sustain their move on tenancies, improve stability, and enhance their quality of life
• Encouraging positive parenting, strong family relationships, and healthy routines
• Assisting with early intervention activities that build resilience, confidence, and overall wellbeing
• Signposting and facilitating access to external services, including education, health, and community support
• Using ClearCare systems to accurately document and maintain support plans, risk assessments, and key working sessions
• Maintaining detailed and accurate records in line with organisational policies and procedures
• Communicating effectively with families, colleagues, and external partner agencies
• Promoting safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion always
• Ensuring all health and safety standards are met within the buildings, including adherence to HMO regulations and maintaining clean, safe environments
• Complying with all data protection, confidentiality, and organisational procedures

Throughout your apprenticeship, you will receive structured training, mentoring, and ongoing support to help you build confidence, enhance your professional practice, and progress within the children, young people, and family support sector. 

Training Outcome

• Possible employment and progression on to further training upon completion of apprenticeship

Skills Required

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Presentation skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience

Qualifications

• Essential - GCSE - English - 4+/ C+
• Essential - GCSE - maths - 4+ (C+)

Course Information

Course: Children, young people and families practitioner (level 4)

Level: 4

Route: Care services

Apprenticeship Level: Higher

Working Arrangements

Working Week: Working a 7 day rota running Saturday- Friday Shifts TBC including weekends and night shifts, however, can be anytime between 8am- 8pm or 2pm- 10.00pm Inclusive of nights shifts 7pm- 7am and sleep ins

Expected Duration: 2 Years

Training Provider: DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL