Residential Childcare Practitioner - Nights
Posted 14th Sep, 2026
About the role
This is a waking nights post based in Hastings, supporting vulnerable children and young people who live in one of East Sussex County Council's children's homes across the county. Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team, you will contribute directly to the welfare, development, and wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable children in East Sussex.
You will work with children and their families to support children's day-to-day development, and there is scope to take a lead on specialist areas and projects — healthy eating is one example — that support improvements across the service.
Shifts run from 9.00pm to 7.30am on a waking nights basis. As with all care staff, you will work every other weekend.
This role includes:
- Working with children and young people with a range of needs as part of an integrated childcare team
- Supporting children's development and wellbeing and engaging with their families
- Demonstrating leadership skills and taking initiative within the team
- Maintaining dignity, respect, and confidentiality for all residents at all times
- Contributing to specialist projects and service improvements where appropriate
To apply, upload your CV and a supporting statement via the Apply Now button. Your supporting statement will be used for shortlisting, so please address each of the following criteria directly, drawing on relevant work or life experience, education, or personal interests: an 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 treating residents with dignity, respect, and confidentiality. Interviews will take place in person on Thursday 15 October, either in Bexhill-on-Sea or Eastbourne. For an informal discussion about the role, contact Emma Phillips at Emma.phillips@eastsussex.gov.uk.
About You
East Sussex is looking for people who bring a genuine commitment to the children they work with and can hold their own in a demanding environment. Full training will be provided, so prior formal qualifications in residential childcare are not a prerequisite.
The ideal candidate will:
- Have experience of working with children and young people in a relevant setting
- Have an 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 capability
- Be able to engage with children and young people who have a range of needs
- Have the resilience and capacity to manage a challenging work environment
- Treat all residents with dignity and respect, maintaining confidentiality at all times
East Sussex County Council welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds and is committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities it serves. Please note that applications from candidates who require visa sponsorship cannot be progressed at this time.
This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, or an Enhanced check for Regulated Activity. Evidence of an overseas police check will be required if you have lived or worked abroad. If you require any reasonable adjustments to participate fully in the recruitment process, please contact Emma Phillips using the details above.
East Sussex's Offer to You
Children's homes at East Sussex County Council are staffed by people who bring a wide range of skills and backgrounds to the work. The comprehensive induction process equips you with the skills and knowledge you need from the outset, and the council funds an apprenticeship in the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, including off-the-job training time and all course fees. For those who want to build a longer-term career working with children, further apprenticeship opportunities are available to support your development.
'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.' — Gary, Day Service Support Worker
A diverse range of benefits is available to support you during your employment. Click Apply Now to discover more about working at East Sussex County Council.
