Residential Childcare Practitioner (Short Breaks)

About the role

East Sussex County Council runs children's disability homes in Bexhill-on-Sea and Eastbourne, providing short breaks and residential support to children and young people with complex health needs and disabilities. As a Residential Childcare Practitioner, you will work directly with children and their families, supporting development and wellbeing as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

These roles involve providing personal care and moving and handling of children and young people. You will contribute to day-to-day life in the home and have the opportunity to take a lead on specialist areas and projects — healthy eating is one example — that support improvements across the service.

This role includes:

• Providing personal care and moving and handling support to children and young people with complex health needs and disabilities
• Working with children's families as part of an integrated approach to their welfare
• Supporting children's development and wellbeing on a day-to-day basis
• Taking a lead on specialist areas or projects that benefit the wider service
• Maintaining confidentiality and treating all residents with dignity and respect at all times

Full-time roles are 37 hours over five days per week, on a four-week rolling rota. Shift times are 7.00am to 2.30pm and 2.00pm to 9.30pm, each shift being 7.5 hours. Part-time arrangements are also available. The salary of £31,077 to £35,289 per annum includes two weekend working increments.

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

About You

This role suits people who are genuinely interested in working closely with children and young people, and who can bring both resilience and warmth to a setting that is testing but highly rewarding. Strong communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team are essential.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience of working with children and young people in a relevant setting
• Demonstrate an interest in child development and a willingness to learn and develop
• Be able to work effectively as part of an integrated childcare team
• Treat residents of the home with dignity and respect, maintaining confidentiality at all times
• Have the communication skills and resilience required for a demanding hands-on care role

East Sussex County Council warmly welcomes applications from all sections of the community, and particularly encourages applications from 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.

Please note that sponsorship is not available for this role. This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a check against the Children's Barred List. Candidates who have lived or worked abroad will be required to provide evidence of an overseas police check.

East Sussex's Offer to You

Children's homes in East Sussex understand that great care depends on great staff. A comprehensive induction process covers all the skills and knowledge you need to get started, with no prior qualification required to apply.

The council funds a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare apprenticeship, 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 your aspirations.

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

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare apprenticeship, fully funded by the Council
• Off-the-job training time included within contracted hours
• Comprehensive induction from day one
• Further apprenticeship opportunities for career progression
• A diverse range of employee benefits — see the benefits page for full details
• And more