Residential Childcare Practitioner
Posted 13th May, 2026
About the role
As a Residential Childcare Practitioner, you will work with vulnerable children who often have complex needs as well as their families in our children's disability homes in Eastbourne and Bexhill. You will support the children's development and wellbeing as part of a multi-disciplinary team of professionals responsible for their welfare.
These roles involve providing personal care, moving and handling of children and young people, all who have complex health needs and disabilities. You can also take a lead on specialist areas and projects such as healthy eating to support improvements across the service. This role gives you the opportunity to support some of the most vulnerable children in East Sussex.
Key responsibilities include:
- Working with children who have complex needs and their families
- Supporting the children's development and wellbeing
- Providing personal care and moving and handling
- Taking a lead on specialist areas and projects to support service improvements
- Working as part of an integrated multi-disciplinary childcare team
Our full time roles are for 37 hours over a 5 day week. Shift times are 7-2.30pm and 2-9.30pm which means that each shift is for 7.5 hours. Our shift patterns are given on a 4-week rolling rota pattern.
To apply, click the apply now button to provide a CV and a brief supporting statement highlighting how you meet the key requirements. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact either Amy Martin at Amy.Martin@eastsussex.gov.uk or Emma Quicke at Emma.quicke@Eastsussex.gov.uk to arrange a call. Interviews will take place in person within 2 weeks of the closing date.
About You
We are looking for people who have experience working with children and an interest in child development. You should be able to treat residents of the home with dignity and respect whilst maintaining confidentiality at all times.
The ideal candidate will:
- Have experience of working with children and young people
- Demonstrate an interest in child development and willingness to learn
- Be able to work as part of an integrated childcare team
- Treat residents of the homes with dignity and respect and maintain confidentiality at all times
- Possess confident communication skills
- Demonstrate the resilience needed as part of this testing but highly rewarding career
We warmly welcome applications from all sections of the community and particularly encourage those from groups that are underrepresented in our current workforce: Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, those who are disabled, men and those who identify as LGBTQ+. We are working towards recruiting a workforce that reflects our community because we recognise the unique skills, experience and perspective that each individual brings.
This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services. We require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad. Unfortunately we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
East Sussex County Council Offer to You
We understand that the great care we provide is down to the great staff we have. We provide a comprehensive induction process to teach you all the skills and knowledge you need. We also provide an apprenticeship in the level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, with off the job training time and all course fees paid for by the Council.
If you want to develop a career working with children there are also a range of development opportunities, including further apprenticeship opportunities to support your career aspirations. We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment.
"I really like the hands-on approach of support work and knowing that I'm making a difference", Kayleigh, Team Leader
