Residential Childcare Practitioner

Job Description

Do you want to make a difference to the most vulnerable children in care and help them flourish and achieve their potential?

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, so if you do require sponsorship, we will be unable to progress with your application.

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

• 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.

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

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

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. Progression to Single Status 8 to be dependent upon level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare or equivalent and additional responsibilities.

The interviews will be held on Monday 19 January (afternoon) and Friday 23 January 2026 in Eastbourne. 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 Mandy Mc Donald , Registered Homes Manager, at Mand

• Salary noted includes two weekend working increments.

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 visit  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 visit

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.