Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner – Homefield Cottage

About the role

Homefield Cottage is an open group home in Seaford, supporting children and young people with a variety of complex individual needs who may have had challenging and adverse life experiences prior to entering the home. Two permanent Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner posts are available, working as part of a team committed to delivering high quality care that meets the physical, emotional, health and social needs of young people.

Children in care are some of the most vulnerable in the community, and looking after them is one of East Sussex County Council's most important responsibilities. The home provides a level of support that may not be available in other care settings, working with adolescents to build supportive and meaningful relationships that help them reach their full potential and maximise their opportunities.

Successful candidates will work on a rota basis covering shift work, weekend working, and sleep-in duties. The stated salary of £36,446 to £38,871 per annum is inclusive of a weekend working allowance, and additional payments apply for sleep-ins.

This role includes:

• Delivering care that addresses the physical, emotional, health, and social needs of children and young people with complex needs
• Supervising and motivating staff, drawing on experience of managing or leading a team
• Overseeing detailed risk assessments and care plans to ensure compliance
• Working as part of a multi-agency care team to coordinate support for young people
• Applying knowledge of Children's Homes Regulations, Quality Standards 2015, and the Ofsted inspection framework to maintain high standards

To apply, upload your CV and a supporting statement via the Apply Now button. Your supporting statement will be used to shortlist, 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 face to face in Eastbourne on Monday 5 October. For an informal discussion about the roles, contact Natalie Dardashti, Registered Homes Manager at Homefield Cottage: natalie.dardashti@eastsussex.gov.uk

About You

This role suits someone who is committed to working with adolescent children and understands the importance of consistency, relationship-building, and informed, high-quality care. Senior practitioners joining Homefield Cottage will bring both practical experience and the ability to lead and support colleagues effectively.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold an RQF Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare, or a previously recognised equivalent Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare
• Have experience of supervising or managing staff and motivating a team successfully
• Have experience overseeing detailed risk assessments and care plans, ensuring compliance
• Be able to work effectively as part of a multi-agency care team
• Have a sound understanding of current Children's Homes Regulations, Quality Standards 2015, the Ofsted inspection framework, and statutory Looked After Child guidance including the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review Regulations 2010
• Have experience of working directly with children and young people

East Sussex County Council warmly welcomes applications from all sections of the community, and particularly encourages those 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 or Enhanced 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 unable to offer visa sponsorship for these positions.

East Sussex's Offer to You

Children's residential homes at East Sussex County Council sit within a service where every member of staff is focused on achieving the best outcomes for the children and young people in their care. As Casey, a Project Officer, puts it: 'The best thing about working for East Sussex is knowing every person who works here cares about our residents and wants to achieve the best outcomes for them.'

East Sussex offers a diverse range of benefits to help and support employees throughout their employment. Details are available on the council's benefits page. Candidates who meet certain criteria may be given priority at shortlisting stage — see the priority status page for further information.