Young People and Families Practitioner

Young People and Families Practitioner (Level 4 Apprenticeship)

Do you have a passion for caring? If so, this Practitioner Apprenticeship could be perfect. You will work with children and young people while learning from experienced professionals! 

The two pathways for this apprenticeship consist of community and residential options. The contents depend on which one you take, so be sure to check out their differences. 

Apprenticeship Details

Duration: Typically 24 months for new entrants. For those with relevant qualifications and experience in the health and social care field, 12 to 18 months. 

Level: 4

Entry Requirements – Undertake the Disclosure and Barring Service process and provide the result

Qualifications: Level 2 English and Maths

Option 1. Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Option 2. Certificate in Higher Education in working with Children Young People and Families

Key Behaviours and Values Expected of a Level 4 Children, Young People and Family Practitioner

Care: Respecting and valuing individuals to keep them safe, being affirming and working with them to help them make a positive difference to their lives. 

Compassion: Consideration and concern for children, young people and their families, combined with an understanding of the perspective of those you work with.

Courage: Honesty and a positive belief in helping children, young people and families. Being confident when faced with confrontation, holding a safe space to manage and contain really difficult behaviours and working with children, young people and families to challenge and enable them to fulfil their potential 

Communication: Your work is based on building effective relationships, being perceptive and empathic and building good rapport Competence: The relationships you build to effect change for children, young people and families will be informed by social care ethics and values and will be developed through reflective practice. 

Commitment: Creating sustainable change in others by working alongside children, young people and families and being authentic, consistent, patient, persistent and resilient.

What Core Knowledge Is Required For This Apprenticeship? 

Knowledge and understanding of:

  • Communication that enables the voice of the child, young person or family members to be heard
  • Equality, rights, diversity and cultural differences, and the values of the organisation in which you are working. 
  • The range of potential safeguarding risk factors (e.g. domestic violence, membership of gangs, missing children)
  • Child, adolescent and adult development
  • The duties, responsibilities, boundaries and ethical nature of the role
  • Systems and policy frameworks for work with children, young people and families. e.g. education, health, care, employment, criminal justice, special educational needs and disabilities, first aid, safeguarding.
Young People and Families Practitioner (Level 4 Apprenticeship)

What Are The Apprenticeship Options? 

OPTION 1: Practitioner in Children’s Residential Care

You could be working in a number of settings. For example, a children’s home or a residential special school. You will be the lead in developing and delivering a child’s placement plan that ensures their health, education as well as social needs are met. You play an important role throughout this process by helping them thrive to fulfil potential.

OPTION 2: Children, Young People and Families Practitioner within the Community

You could work in a number of settings. For example family homes, youth centres, children’s centres or educational settings. You will be an expert in early intervention and safeguarding work. You’ll understand how important it is to take preventative measures with children, young people or families who need your help! You will be helping children, young people and families to overcome barriers. Your support is crucial in enabling them to achieve their full potential!

Conclusion

As you can see, the level 4 Children, Young People and Families Practitioner is an excellent option for anyone looking to pursue a career in care. The core skills covered in the apprenticeship will open up a wide range of job opportunities. In addition, you will earn while you learn and there are excellent progression opportunities to advance your learning in the future. Some examples are the Healthcare assistant practitioner (level 5 apprenticeship). Employers are keen to use apprenticeship to shape how their employees learn and progress. 

If you would like to learn more about this apprenticeship or to apply, get in touch with us today.