Residential Childcare Practitioner (Short Breaks)

About the role

East Sussex County Council's children's disability homes in Bexhill-on-Sea and Eastbourne provide short breaks for children and young people with complex health needs and disabilities, supported by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals. As a Residential Childcare Practitioner, you will work directly with children and their families, supporting development and wellbeing across both sites.

The role involves providing personal care and moving and handling support for children and young people, all of whom have complex needs. You will work as part of an integrated team and have the opportunity to take a lead on specialist areas and projects — healthy eating, for example — that contribute to service-wide improvements.

This role includes:

• Providing personal care and moving and handling support for children and young people with complex health needs and disabilities
• Supporting children's development and wellbeing in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team
• Working with children's families as part of a coordinated approach to care
• Taking a lead on specialist areas or projects to drive improvements across the service
• Maintaining confidentiality and treating all residents with dignity and respect at all times

Full-time posts are 37 hours over five days per week. Shift times are 7.00am to 2.30pm and 2.00pm to 9.30pm, each lasting 7.5 hours. Shift patterns are provided on a four-week rolling rota. Part-time opportunities are also available.

To apply, submit a CV and supporting statement via the Apply Now button, setting out how you meet the key requirements listed below. Interviews will take place in person in Bexhill within two weeks of the closing date. If you are unavailable on the date offered, please let the team know and an alternative may be arranged. For an informal discussion about the role, contact Amy Martin at Amy.Martin@eastsussex.gov.uk.

About You

This is a testing but highly rewarding career that calls for strong communication skills and genuine resilience. You do not need to hold a formal qualification to apply — what matters most is a real interest in child development and a commitment to providing high-quality, respectful care.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience of working with children and young people in any relevant setting
• Demonstrate an interest in child development and a willingness to continue learning
• Be able to work effectively as part of an integrated childcare team
• Treat all residents with dignity and respect, maintaining confidentiality at all times
• Possess the communication skills and resilience required to work with children who have complex needs

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

Please note that sponsorship is not available for this role. 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. If you require reasonable adjustments to participate fully in the recruitment process, please contact Amy Martin using the details above.

East Sussex's Offer to You

The children's disability homes team understands that the quality of care provided depends on the quality of the staff delivering it. Every new practitioner receives a comprehensive induction to build the skills and knowledge needed from day one.

The council funds an apprenticeship in the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, with off-the-job training time and all course fees covered. For those looking to build a longer-term career working with children, further apprenticeship opportunities are available to support those ambitions. A diverse range of employment benefits is also on offer.

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare apprenticeship, fully funded including all course fees
• Off-the-job training time built into your working week
• Further apprenticeship and development opportunities for career progression
• A diverse range of employee benefits — see the East Sussex careers benefits page for full details

"I really like the hands-on approach of support work and knowing that I'm making a difference." — Kayleigh, Team Leader