Secure Residential Support Worker

About the role

Lansdowne Secure Children's Home is one of only 14 secure children's homes in England and Wales. It is a modern, state-of-the-art building with excellent and diverse facilities, based in Hailsham, East Sussex.

You'll work as part of a dedicated, supportive team, responsible for providing the day-to-day safe and secure care of the children at Lansdowne. Keeping children engaged and occupied is central to the role — you'll encourage and participate in activities with young people, including sports, cooking, and arts and crafts. Safeguarding sits at the core of everything staff do here, and all workers are expected to maintain high standards of vigilance, respect, reporting, and professional curiosity at all times.

The role operates on a rota basis that includes sleep-in duties on occasion. The salary of £32,067 to £37,629 per annum includes two increments for weekend working.

This role includes:

• Providing safe, secure, and consistent care for children in a secure residential setting
• Encouraging and participating in enriching activities that keep young people engaged and occupied
• Managing conflict, holding clear boundaries, and challenging poor behaviour or practice
• Leading from the floor when needed and knowing when to escalate safeguarding concerns
• Completing sleep-in duties as part of the rota

To apply, upload your CV and a Supporting Statement via the Apply Now button. The 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. For guidance on writing your application, see the how to apply page on the East Sussex County Council careers site.

Interviews will take place in person within two weeks of the closing date at Lansdowne Secure Unit in Hailsham. For an informal discussion about the role, contact Hannah Jones at Hannah.jonesCS@eastsussex.gov.uk.

Please note that sponsorship is not available for this role.

About You

This role calls for people who can hold their own in demanding situations while keeping the needs of children firmly in focus. Experience working with young people in challenging circumstances is valued, though the right personal qualities and understanding of trauma will be equally important to the team.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be able to manage difficult conversations, manage conflict, and hold strong, consistent boundaries with young people
• Understand how trauma affects behaviour and apply that understanding in everyday interactions
• Be able to lead from the floor when needed, take initiative, and know when and how to escalate safeguarding concerns
• Have the communication skills to offer clear, assertive direction and support to children so they feel safe
• Approach the role with professionalism and a genuine commitment to safeguarding responsibilities

East Sussex County Council warmly welcomes applications from all sections of the community, and particularly encourages those from groups that are underrepresented in the current workforce: people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, men, and those who identify as LGBTQ+. The council is working towards building a workforce that reflects the community it serves, 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. Right to work in the UK must be demonstrated; sponsorship is not available for this role.

East Sussex County Council's Offer to You

Lansdowne offers extensive training and ongoing support so that all staff can fully carry out their safeguarding responsibilities — and are held to high standards in doing so. You'll be joining a dedicated team in a well-resourced, purpose-built setting.

East Sussex County Council is committed to flexible working arrangements that fit around real life. As one employee put it: "East Sussex is a very good employer. You're able to work flexibly around childcare and caring responsibilities and that's really helpful." A diverse range of benefits is available to all staff during employment — full details can be found on the benefits page of the East Sussex County Council careers site.