Residential Childcare Practitioner

About the role

East Sussex County Council runs children's homes across the county, supporting vulnerable children and young people through a dedicated multi-disciplinary team. The homes include Children's Disability Homes, Open Homes, a Secure Residential Home, and the Seaside Short Stays Home, which provides respite for children and families.

As a Residential Childcare Practitioner, you will support children's development and wellbeing, working closely with them, their families, and other professionals. You will contribute to day-to-day care within the home and take the lead on specialist projects where appropriate, such as promoting healthy eating across services.

All staff are trained and supported to deliver their roles professionally, with a strong focus on safeguarding. Vigilance, respect, and professional curiosity are central to keeping children safe and able to thrive.

This role includes:

• Supporting the development and wellbeing of children and young people in residential care
• Working as part of an integrated childcare team alongside other professionals
• Building positive relationships with children, their families, and partner agencies
• Leading specialist projects that contribute to care quality across the service
• Maintaining confidentiality and treating residents with dignity and respect at all times

The salary of £30,084 to £34,162 per annum includes two increments for weekend working, reflecting a shift pattern that covers weekends. Flexible working options are available, including contracted hours and positions on the relief team, with arrangements that can fit around term times, holidays, and weekends.

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 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 guidance on writing your application, refer to the council's how to apply page and statement on the use of AI.

For an informal discussion, contact Emma Quicke at emma.quicke@eastsussex.gov.uk or Amy Martin at amy.martin@eastsussex.gov.uk.

About You

East Sussex welcomes applications from a wide range of backgrounds. Whether you are a student, school staff member, or someone with existing experience in children's services, your skills and life experience are valued here.

You do not need a formal qualification to apply. A comprehensive induction will equip you with the skills and knowledge required for the role, and ongoing training and development is provided throughout your employment.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience working with children and young people, whether in a professional, voluntary, or personal capacity
• Show an interest in child development and a willingness to keep learning
• Be able to work effectively as part of an integrated childcare team
• Treat every child and young person with dignity and respect, upholding confidentiality at all times
• Bring professional curiosity and a commitment to safeguarding to all aspects of their practice

East Sussex County Council is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Candidates who meet certain priority criteria will be given preference during shortlisting; see the council's priority status page for details.

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. Right-to-work in the UK must be demonstrated; the council is currently unable to progress applications from those who require visa sponsorship. If you require reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please contact the hiring manager using the details above.

East Sussex's Offer to You

Children's homes in East Sussex are supported by a comprehensive induction process designed to give new staff all the skills and knowledge they need from the outset. Beyond induction, the council funds an apprenticeship in the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, including all course fees and off-the-job training time, so you can build your professional qualifications without personal cost.

For those looking further ahead, a range of development and further apprenticeship opportunities are available to support longer-term career aspirations within children's services.

'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

Benefits include:

• Funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare apprenticeship, with all course fees paid
• Off-the-job training time built into your working arrangements
• Further apprenticeship and career development opportunities
• Flexible working options, including contracted and relief team positions
• A diverse range of employee benefits — visit the council's benefits page to find out more