Residential Childcare Practitioner

About the role

East Sussex County Council's children's homes support vulnerable children across a range of settings, and this role sits within that network as a Residential Childcare Practitioner. The homes include Children's Disability Homes, Open Homes, a Secure Residential Home, and the Seaside Short Stays Home, which provides respite for children and families.

As a Residential Childcare Practitioner, you'll work closely with children, their families, and other professionals to support children's development and wellbeing. You'll be part of a dedicated multi-disciplinary team, with opportunities to lead specialist projects — such as promoting healthy eating — across the service.

The role is available on a contracted, full-time basis or as part of the relief team, with flexible working options that can fit around term times, holidays, and weekends. This flexibility makes it well suited to students, school staff, and those with existing experience who are looking to pick up additional hours.

This role includes:

• Supporting children to feel safe and developing their wellbeing within a residential home setting
• Working as part of an integrated childcare team alongside other professionals
• Building relationships with children, their families, and partner agencies
• Leading specialist projects that contribute to children's health and development
• Maintaining confidentiality and treating all residents with dignity and respect

To apply, upload your CV and a Supporting Statement via the Apply Now button. Your Supporting Statement will be used for shortlisting, so address how you meet all criteria in the person specification, drawing on relevant work or life experience, education, or personal interests. For guidance on writing your application, visit the East Sussex County Council careers site. Interviews will take place in person in Eastbourne within two weeks of the closing date.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, contact Amy Martin at amy.martin@eastsussex.gov.uk.

About You

East Sussex welcomes applications from a wide range of backgrounds, including those who are newer to residential childcare. You do not need to hold a formal qualification to apply, and full training and support are provided from the outset.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience working with children and young people, whether in a professional, voluntary, or personal capacity
• Be interested in child development and motivated to learn and grow in the role
• 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 vigilance, professional curiosity, and a commitment to keeping children safe

East Sussex County Council is committed to equality and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Candidates who meet certain priority criteria will be given priority at shortlisting stage; full details are available on the council's priority status page.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a check against the Children's Barred List. 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; the council is currently unable to progress applications from those requiring visa sponsorship.

East Sussex County Council's Offer to You

Children's homes across East Sussex are staffed by dedicated, skilled teams, and the council understands that the quality of care provided is directly linked to the quality of the people delivering it. A comprehensive induction is provided to give you the skills and knowledge you need from day one.

The council funds a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare via apprenticeship, including all course fees and off-the-job training time. Further apprenticeship and development opportunities are available for those who want to build a longer-term career working with children. As Gary, a Day Service Support Worker, puts it: 'There are a whole range of different skills people can bring to the role. I find the work very rewarding and enjoy the variety this type of work brings.'

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare via funded apprenticeship, with all fees paid
• Off-the-job training time included as part of your contracted hours
• Further apprenticeship pathways available to support career progression
• Flexible working options, including contracted and relief team arrangements
• A diverse range of additional employee benefits — full details are available on the council's benefits page