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, supporting vulnerable children and young people who have complex health needs and disabilities through short breaks provision. As a Residential Childcare Practitioner, you will work directly with children and their families, supporting 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. You will also have the opportunity to take a lead on specialist areas and projects, such as healthy eating, to support improvements across the service.

This role includes:

• Providing personal care and moving and handling support to children and young people with complex health needs and disabilities
• Working with children and their families to support development and wellbeing
• Contributing to a multi-disciplinary team responsible for the welfare of the children in the home
• Taking a lead on specialist areas or projects to support service improvement
• Maintaining confidentiality and treating all residents with dignity and respect at all times

Full-time roles are 37 hours per week over five days. Shifts run either 7:00am to 2:30pm or 2:00pm to 9:30pm, each lasting 7.5 hours. Shift patterns are issued on a four-week rolling rota. Part-time arrangements are also available.

To apply, submit a CV and a supporting statement setting out how you meet the key requirements listed 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 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. Strong communication skills and the resilience to work in a demanding care environment are essential, alongside a genuine commitment to the children in your care.

Experience in children's residential care is welcomed, though the Council provides a comprehensive induction process and funded qualification to build the skills and knowledge you need. The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience of working with children and young people
• Have an interest in child development and a willingness to learn
• Be able to work effectively as part of an integrated childcare team
• Demonstrate the communication skills and resilience required in a complex care setting
• Treat all residents with dignity and respect and maintain confidentiality at all times

No formal qualification is required to apply. The Council will fund and support you through the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare via an apprenticeship, including off-the-job training time with all course fees paid.

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 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 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.

East Sussex's Offer to You

Children's disability homes in East Sussex are supported by staff who understand that the quality of care provided depends directly on the quality of the people providing it. A comprehensive induction gives new starters the skills and knowledge they need from day one, and the Council funds the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare as an apprenticeship, covering all course fees and providing off-the-job training time. For those who want to develop further, a range of development opportunities and further apprenticeships are available to support longer-term career aspirations.

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

Benefits include:

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare funded in full via apprenticeship, including off-the-job training time
• Further apprenticeship and development opportunities for career progression
• A comprehensive induction programme
• A diverse range of employee benefits — full details available on the Council's benefits page
• And more