Residential Childcare Practitioner (Short Breaks)

About the role

This role is based in East Sussex County Council's 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 who often have complex needs, as well as with their families, supporting their development and wellbeing as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

The role involves providing personal care and moving and handling of children and young people, all of whom have complex health needs and disabilities. You will have the opportunity to take a lead on specialist areas and projects — healthy eating, for example — contributing to improvements across the service.

This role includes:

• Providing personal care and moving and handling support for children and young people with complex disabilities
• Supporting children's development and wellbeing in a residential disability home setting
• Working as part of an integrated childcare team alongside a range of professionals
• Maintaining confidentiality and treating all residents with dignity and respect at all times
• Taking a lead on specialist areas or service improvement projects where appropriate

Full-time roles are 37 hours across five days per week, with shift times of 7.00am to 2.30pm and 2.00pm to 9.30pm (each shift is 7.5 hours). Shift patterns are allocated on a four-week rolling rota. Part-time opportunities are also available.

To apply, submit a CV and a supporting statement that highlights how you meet the key requirements listed in the About You section below. 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 is a testing but highly rewarding career, and East Sussex is looking for people who bring genuine commitment to children's wellbeing alongside the resilience the role requires. Strong communication skills and a willingness to learn are as important as prior experience.

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
• Treat all residents with dignity and respect and maintain confidentiality at all times
• Demonstrate the communication skills and resilience needed for this type of 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.

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. Please note that sponsorship is not available for this role. If you require any reasonable adjustments to participate fully in the recruitment process, please contact Amy Martin using the details above.

East Sussex's Offer to You

The 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. For those without a formal qualification, the council funds the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare through an apprenticeship, including off-the-job training time and all course fees — there is no cost to the employee.

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

Beyond the Level 3, there are further apprenticeship and development opportunities available for those who want to build a longer-term career working with children. Benefits include:

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare apprenticeship, fully funded by the council including all course fees and off-the-job training time
• Further apprenticeship opportunities to support career progression
• A comprehensive induction process covering all skills and knowledge needed for the role
• A diverse range of additional employee benefits — details available on the East Sussex County Council benefits page
• And more