Residential Childcare Practitioner (Nights)

About the role

This is a waking nights role based in a children's home in Hastings, where vulnerable children live and receive support from a multi-disciplinary team of professionals responsible for their welfare. As a Residential Childcare Practitioner, you will work with children and their families, supporting development and wellbeing during overnight hours.

The role offers the opportunity to take a lead on specialist areas and projects — healthy eating is one example — contributing to improvements across the service. You will be part of an integrated team covering some of the most important hours of the day for the children in your care.

This role includes:

• Working directly with children and young people with a range of needs, treating them with dignity, respect, and consistent confidentiality
• Supporting children's development and wellbeing during overnight shifts
• Working as part of an integrated childcare team and demonstrating leadership skills
• Engaging with families and contributing to the wider multi-disciplinary approach to each child's welfare
• Taking a lead on specialist projects to support service-wide improvements

Shifts run from 9.00 pm to 7.30 am. In line with all care staff, you will work every other weekend.

To apply, upload your CV and a Supporting Statement via the Apply Now button. Your Supporting Statement will be used for shortlisting, so address how you meet all criteria in the person specification, drawing on relevant work or life experience, education, or personal interests. Shortlisting will focus on: interest in child development and willingness to learn; experience of working with children and young people; ability to work as part of an integrated childcare team; and commitment to treating residents with dignity, respect, and confidentiality. Interviews will take place in person in Bexhill on Sea or Eastbourne within two weeks of the closing date. For an informal discussion, contact Emma Phillips at Emma.phillips@eastsussex.gov.uk.

About You

We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds. Full training will be provided, so the focus is on your values, your approach to working with young people, and your capacity to work in a challenging environment.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience of working with children and young people in any relevant setting
• Have a genuine interest in child development and a willingness to continue learning
• Be able to work effectively as part of an integrated childcare team and demonstrate leadership skills
• Be able to engage with children and young people who have a range of needs
• Treat all residents of the home with dignity and respect, and maintain confidentiality at all times
• Have the resilience and capacity to cope with a challenging work environment

East Sussex County Council warmly welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Applications are particularly encouraged from people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, men, and those who identify as LGBTQ+. The aim is to recruit a workforce that reflects the community it serves, recognising the unique skills, experience, and perspective that each individual brings.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity. Evidence of an overseas police check will be required if you have lived or worked abroad. East Sussex County Council is currently unable to progress applications from candidates who require visa sponsorship.

East Sussex County Council's Offer to You

Children's homes across East Sussex are supported by a comprehensive induction process designed to give new staff all the skills and knowledge they need from the outset. The council funds an apprenticeship in the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, including off-the-job training time and all course fees — at no cost to you. For those looking to build a longer-term career working with children, further apprenticeship and development opportunities are available to support those ambitions.

Gary, a Day Service Support Worker, reflects: 'There are a whole range of different skills people can bring to the role. I find the work very rewarding and enjoy the variety this type of work brings.' The council also offers a diverse range of employee benefits. Click Apply Now to discover more.