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Children & Young People’s Practioner

Wish Centre, Business Development Centre, Eanam What, Blackburn/home
Full-time
6th May 2026
Listed today
Children & Young People’s PractinonerRECRUITMENT PACKPage of Contents123479CEO WelcomePerson SpecificationOur ValuesJob DescriptionJob Advertisement How to Apply10Reward & RecognitionWelcomeWelcome to The Wish Centre!As the CEO of The Wish Centre, I am delighted to extend a warmwelcome to all candidates interested in joining our team as a Children &Young People’s Practitioner. At The Wish Centre, we are dedicated to making a positive impact onthe lives of individuals and communities. Our mission is to empowerpeople to fulfill their potential, achieve their goals, and build brighterfutures. As a leading nonprofit organisation, we work tirelessly toprovide support, resources, and opportunities to those in need.As a Children & Young People’s Practitioner, you will play a crucial role indriving the success of our programs, ensuring they are effectivelydesigned, implemented, and evaluated. You will have the opportunity tolead a talented team, collaborate with community partners, and make areal difference in the lives of others.We are looking for someone who is passionate, innovative, andcommitted to our mission. If you are dedicated to making a differenceand have the skills and experience to lead impactful programs, we inviteyou to join us in our journey of creating positive change.If you need help with any aspect of the process, please contact us byemailing: recruitment@thewishcentre.org. I look forward to welcoming a dedicated and talented Children & YoungPeople’s Practitionerto The Wish Centre family.Best regards,Shigufta KhanCEO, The Wish Centre1Our ValuesAt The Wish Centre, our values shape who we are, how we work and the people we recruit.Our VisionA world free from domestic abuse.Our MissionTo raise awareness, educate communities and empower individuals to live free from domesticabuse through support, safe accommodation, behaviour change programmes and training.We are a values-led organisation and look for people who consistently demonstrate our values intheir behaviour, decisions and relationships.Our Values: H.E.R.EHolisticWe work with the whole person and family, recognising the lasting impact of domestic abuse. This means working with compassion, using trauma-informed approaches, collaborating withothers and supporting wellbeing.EducationWe believe education creates change.This means being open to learning, challenging stigma and sharing knowledge to improve practice.RespectRespect underpins everything we do.This means being inclusive and non-judgemental, valuing lived experience and communicatingethically.EmpowerWe support people to make informed choices and regain control.This means working alongside people, focusing on strengths and encouraging independence.What This Means for YouWorking at The Wish Centre is challenging and rewarding. We are looking for compassionate,reflective people who are committed to our H.E.R.E values. If this sounds like you, we wouldwelcome your application.22Job AdvertisementChildren & Young People’s Practioner - The Wish Centre £26,798.31 pro rata per annum Location: Hybrid; Wish Centre, Business Development Centre, Eanam What,Blackburn/home Hours of Work: Full Time, 36.25 hour per weekContract: Fixed Term Maternity Cover to 30 June 2027thReports to: Programmes ManagerAbout UsThe Wish Centre has been delivering quality services to victims in the Blackburn &Darwen area for over 30 years. We provide specialist services to residents of theborough and support victims and their families to live lives free from abuse. Ourprogrammes work is also delivered across Lancashire and BlackpoolAbout YouAre you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of those affected bydomestic abuse? The Wish Centre is seeking a dedicated and dynamic individual tojoin our team as a Young People’s Practitioner.As a Young People’s Practitioner, you will play a vital role in transforming the lives ofyoung people affected by domestic abuse. Your responsibilities will includedelivering impactful group and 1:1 programs, engaging with young people through atrauma-informed approach, and collaborating with various agencies to ensurecomprehensive support. You will proactively assess and manage risks, advocate forservices, and help young people build confidence and emotional well-being. Bymaintaining accurate records and producing insightful reports, you will contribute tothe continuous improvement of our services. Join us to make a meaningful differencein the lives of young people, fostering their safety, resilience, and growthClosing Date: 6 May 2026thTo read more about the specific duties of the role, please see the full Job Description on the next page!3Job DescriptionWho Are We?We support victims of domestic abuse and are unique in delivering our perpetrator educationsupport programme. For 35 years we have been at the forefront of developing and deliveringspecialist services to individuals and families. Our services include a helpline, advice and IDVAservice, refuge accommodation, counselling programmes for victims, schools-basedprogrammes; behaviour change programmes, counselling services, access to free legal support,volunteering opportunities and peer support groups.We are looking for someone who canembrace and extend our support through enthusiasm, passion and drive.Creating Safe, Inclusive Opportunities for AllAt The Wish Centre, we are proud to be a Trauma-Informed Organisation, which means weapproach every aspect of our work—including recruitment—with an understanding of the impactof trauma and a commitment to creating safe, supportive, and empowering environments. Thisapproach shapes how we engage with applicants, ensuring sensitivity, respect, and fairnessthroughout the process.Our values of H.E.R.E—Holistic, Educate, Respect, Empower—guide everything we do. We striveto recruit individuals who share these values and are passionate about supporting thecommunities we serve.We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcome applications from people ofall backgrounds. We particularly value lived experience, and encourage individuals with personalor indirect experience of domestic abuse to join us as trustees, staff, or volunteers. If you chooseto share this information during recruitment, it will be treated with the utmost confidentiality andonly disclosed to the interview panel or HR as necessary.Job Purpose:To support, protect and promote the rights of children and young people who have witnessed orbeen subject to domestic abuse. To empower and enable young people to have a voice byproviding information, advice, support and advocacy.To deliver group programmes and individual 1:1 work with young people in community venuesand in educational settings. This role will require evening work as well as traveling acrossBlackburn and Darwen Lancashire. 45Key responsibilities include:Deliver group and 1:1 programs to children and young people.Liaise with appropriate services and act as a point of contact.Provide assertive engagement using a trauma-informed approach, including assessingAdverse Childhood Experiences.Work in partnership with other agencies and professionals.Make proactive contact with young people within service procedures' timescales.Listen to young people to identify their concerns.Risk-assess and respond to the needs of young people living with perpetrators, ensuringsafety plans are in place.Ensure young people receive the services to which they are entitled.Provide or facilitate advocacy for young people seeking help from other agencies.Help young people develop their own support network.Support young people on a 1-1 or group basis to develop confidence, emotional well-being,and understand domestic abuse dynamics.Keep relevant agencies informed about important changes in young people's situations,especially regarding safeguarding.Work closely with schools, children’s social care, and IDVA services.Manage own caseload by maintaining accurate records, monitoring outcomes, andproactively supporting service provision.Produce regular reports highlighting work areas, case studies, concerns, and outcomes.Plan and deliver training and awareness sessions to multi-agency teams with colleagues.Understand the legal framework for child protection, including CSAP policies and procedures.Attend domestic abuse and multi-agency meetings, providing feedback to team membersand the service manager.Participate in regular training opportunities.Uphold best safeguarding practices for children and adults at risk.Work as part of a team, providing cover for colleagues when necessary.Support established risk assessment frameworks in assessing and managing risk.7Person SpecificationEssential CriteriaQualifications and ExperienceA relevant qualification in domestic abuse, childcare or social care or equivalent experience. Experience working with children and young people, particularly in a domestic abuse context.Proven experience in delivering group and 1:1 programs.KnowledgeStrong understanding of trauma-informed approaches and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).Knowledge of child protection and safeguarding legislation, policies, and procedures.Familiarity with the dynamics of domestic abuse and its impact on young people.Skills and Abilities:Excellent communication and listening skills.Ability to engage assertively and empathetically with young people.Strong risk assessment and management skills.Ability to work effectively in partnership with a range of agencies and professionals.Proficient in managing a caseload and maintaining accurate records.Competent in producing comprehensive reports and documentation.Training and presentation skills for delivering awareness sessions.Proficiency in using IT systems, word processing, and communication tools.Personal Attributes:Highly organized and proactive.Strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.Ability to work independently and as part of a team.Flexible and adaptable approach to work.Resilient and able to manage stressful situations effectively.Be compassionate and empathetic with your client’s situation. Desirable CriteriaQualifications and Experience:Experience in providing advocacy for young people.Previous experience working with Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs) and multi-agency teams.Knowledge:Awareness of the local services available for children and young people affected by domestic abuse.Understanding of the CSAP policies and procedures.Skills and Abilities:Experience in developing and facilitating support networks for young people.Strong networking and relationship-building skills.Personal Attributes:Innovative and creative in approach to problem-solving.Additional Requirements:How to ApplyThis post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check at a Enhanced level. The Wish Centre is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects ofour work. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities. Should you require the application in an alternative format than the link above, please emailrecruitment@thewishcentre.org To apply, please complete our online application via the following link Application for Young People’s PractionerThe closing date for the position is 6 May 2026th9Staff Reward & RecognitionAt The Wish Centre, we value our people and recognise the important and often challengingwork they do. Our Reward & Recognition offer has been designed to be flexible, fair, and toplace staff wellbeing at the forefront, ensuring support reflects individual needs.Westfield Health – Wellbeing and Savings:Westfield Health Cash Plan helps cover everyday healthcare costs, including dental, opticaland therapies, with cash back up to set limits24/7 GP access and a confidential Advice & Information Line for medical, legal and financialwellbeing supportDependent children covered on key benefits at no extra costWestfield Rewards gives access to discounts, cashback and vouchers with hundreds of high-street and online retailersSavings available on shopping, groceries, lifestyle and leisure purchasesEasy access via an online portal and mobile appAll staff have access to Westfield Health from day 1, our online reward, recognition andwellbeing app.Flexible Wellbeing ChoiceAlongside Westfield Health, each staff member can choose one additional wellbeing benefiteach year, following their probationary period, allowing them to select what best supports theirwellbeing.Options include:An extra Wellbeing DayA mental wellbeing app subscriptionA wellbeing allowance for approved wellbeing activities or productsA wellbeing hamperA Supportive, Values-Led CultureOur Reward & Recognition approach reflects our commitment to staff wellbeing, flexibility andrecognition. By investing in our people, we aim to ensure everyone feels valued, supported andempowered to do their best work.10