Residential Childcare Practitioner

Do you want to be the person who helps children in care feel safe, supported, and able to thrive and are you looking for your dream role where your passion and care can truly change lives? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

We have children’s homes across East Sussex, where vulnerable children live and receive support from a dedicated multi-disciplinary team. Our homes include Children’s Disability Homes, Open Homes, and a Secure Residential Home. We also have the Seaside Short Stays Home, offering respite for children and families. As a Residential Childcare Practitioner, you’ll play a vital role in supporting children’s development and wellbeing, working closely with them, their families, and other professionals. You’ll also have opportunities to lead specialist projects, such as promoting healthy eating, to make a real difference across our services.

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.

Whether you're a student, school staff member, or someone with existing experience looking to pick up extra hours — we’d love to hear from you! This role offers flexible working options that fit around term times, holidays, and weekends. You can join us on a contracted basis or work as part of our relief team. It’s a brilliant opportunity to put your skills to good use, meet new people, and enjoy a role that works around your life.

We are looking for people who:

• Have experience working with children and young people.
• Are interested in child development and eager to learn.
• Can work effectively as part of an integrated childcare team.
• Treat residents with dignity and respect, maintaining confidentiality at all times.

To apply for this role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. We will be using your Supporting Statement to shortlist so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests.

For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page.

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information.

Unfortunately, we are unable to progress applications of people who are on a visa or require sponsorship at this time.

Interviews will take place in person in Bexhill on Sea within two weeks of closing date.

Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.

All staff are trained and supported to deliver their roles professionally, with a strong focus on safeguarding. You’ll work in a role where your vigilance, respect, and professional curiosity help keep children safe, supported, and able to thrive.

'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.' - Gary, Day Service Support Worker

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 this opportunity contact Amy Martin via Amy.martin@Eastsussex.gov.uk.

For putting you skills to good use, 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.