Residential Childcare Practitioner

About the role

This is a full-time, permanent position based at one of East Sussex County Council's children's homes in Seaford, working with children and young people who often have complex needs. The role supports children's development and wellbeing, and involves working with their families as well as the wider care team.

As a Residential Childcare Practitioner, you will contribute to the day-to-day lives of some of the most vulnerable children in East Sussex. There is also scope to take a lead on specialist areas and projects — healthy eating is one example — where you can drive improvements across the service. The salary range of £31,077 to £35,289 per annum includes two weekend working increments, reflecting the pattern of work across the week.

This role includes:

• Supporting children's development and wellbeing on a day-to-day basis
• Working with children's families as part of an integrated childcare team
• Maintaining professional standards including dignity, respect, and confidentiality at all times
• Leading on specialist areas or projects that support service-wide improvements
• Taking on additional responsibilities if you hold a Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare or equivalent, with eligibility to progress to Single Status 8

To apply, upload your CV and a Supporting Statement via the Apply Now button. The Supporting Statement is used for shortlisting, so address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on relevant work or life experience, education, or personal interests. Interviews will take place in person in Eastbourne within two weeks of the closing date. For an informal discussion about the role, contact Natalie Dardashti at natalie.dardashti@eastsussex.gov.uk.

About You

East Sussex is looking for people who are genuinely interested in working with children and young people and who are committed to delivering high standards of care. You do not need to hold a formal qualification to apply at entry level — the Council provides comprehensive induction and funded training to build your skills and knowledge from the start.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience working with children and young people in a relevant setting
• Be interested in child development and eager to continue learning
• Be able to work effectively as part of an integrated childcare team
• Treat children and young people with dignity and respect, maintaining confidentiality at all times
• Already hold a Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare or equivalent if applying for progression to Single Status 8, which also requires taking on additional responsibilities

East Sussex County Council warmly welcomes applications from all sections of the community and particularly encourages those from groups that are underrepresented in the current workforce, including people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, men, and those who identify as LGBTQ+. The Council is working towards recruiting a workforce that reflects its community, recognising the unique skills, experience, and perspective that each individual brings.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) 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 people who are on a visa or require sponsorship.

East Sussex's Offer to You

All staff are trained and supported to deliver their roles professionally, with a strong focus on safeguarding. Your vigilance, respect, and professional curiosity will help keep children safe, supported, and able to thrive — and the Council ensures you have the skills and knowledge to do that from day one through a comprehensive induction process.

For those looking to build a long-term career in children's residential care, East Sussex provides a funded apprenticeship route to the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, including off-the-job training time and all course fees paid by the Council. Further apprenticeship and development opportunities are available to support your career aspirations beyond that. As one member of staff puts it: '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.'

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare apprenticeship, with course fees and training time fully funded
• Further apprenticeship opportunities to support longer-term career development
• Comprehensive induction covering all skills and knowledge needed for the role
• A diverse range of additional employee benefits — click Apply Now to discover more