Residential Childcare Practitioner

Do you want to make a difference to the most vulnerable children in care, helping them to flourish and achieve their potential? If so, apply now.

We have children’s disability homes in Eastbourne & Bexhill, where vulnerable children live and receive support from a multi-disciplinary team of professionals who are responsible for their welfare.

As a Residential Childcare Practitioner, you will work with the children who often have complex needs as well as their families. You will support the children’s development and wellbeing. 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 make a real difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in East Sussex.

Please note that unfortunately we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

We are looking for people who:

• Have experience with working with children and young people
• An interest in child development
• Can treat residents of the home with dignity and respect

Please download the job description and person specification for more information.

We are currently recruiting to our homes based in Bexhill and Eastbourne where we have opportunities for staff who can work full time or part time. These roles involve providing personal care, moving and handling of children and young people, all who have complex health needs and disabilities.

• Our full time roles are for 37 hours over a 5 day a week. Shift times are 7-2.30pm and 2-9.30pm which means that each shift is for 7.5 hrs. Our shift patterns are given on a 4-week rolling rota pattern.

We want to make the application process as easy as possible, so please click the apply now button to provide a CV and a supporting statement that highlights how you meet the key requirements below, as this is what we will be shortlisting on:

• Have an interest in child development and willingness to learn
• Experience of working with children and young people
• Ability to work as part of an integrated childcare team
• Treat residents of the homes with dignity and respect and maintain confidentiality at all times

As well as the above it is vital that you have communication skills and are able to demonstrate the resilience which is needed as part of this testing but highly rewarding career.

For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page and our statement on the use of AI.

Interviews will take place in person at Seaside Short Breaks, Dorset Road in Bexhill within 2 weeks of the closing date. If you are unavailable on these dates let us know and we may be able to schedule an alternative date to interview you. Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.

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. More information can be found on our benefits page.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact either Amy or Emma to arrange a call.

Amy Martin - [email protected] / Emma Quicke - [email protected]

A workforce for the community, from the community

We warmly welcome applications from all sections of the community. We but particularly encourage those from group 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.

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

Choose East Sussex!

Additional Information

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record. Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad.

Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.

If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas

If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.