Children’s Residential Childcare Careers
Residential Childcare Careers in East Sussex
A Career That Makes a Real Difference
Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of children in care? Residential childcare careers in East Sussex offer the opportunity to turn your compassion and dedication—whatever your background—into meaningful, supported work. By working in a children’s home, you help young people feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Residential childcare roles are open to people from a wide range of backgrounds, with full training and support provide.
Our Residential Homes Open Days
Join us for one of our open days!
When:
Upcoming dates to be confirmed—sign up below to stay informed.
Where:
Seaside Short Breaks (location details provided upon registration).
Come and explore the heart of Seaside Short Breaks.
• Take a guided tour of our welcoming home and see where the magic happens.
• Meet our passionate team and learn what it’s really like to work here.
• Discover the impact you could have on children and families every single day.
The Roles and Opportunities Available
Quick links
Residential Childcare Practitioner
As a Residential Childcare Practitioner, you’ll support children’s development and wellbeing by working closely with them, their families and other professionals. You’ll also have opportunities to lead specialist projects, such as promoting healthy eating, and make a real difference across our services.
Salary: £30,084 – £34,162 per annum pro rata (including increments for weekend working)
Working pattern: Full Time or Part Time
Contract: Permanent or Casual
ℹ For more information, please see the specific job listing.
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.
ℹ For more information, please see the Job Description & Person Specification.
We welcome applications from people with a wide range of experiences and are committed to providing support and adjustments where needed.
• RQF level 2 in Maths or ability to pass a basic maths assessment at interview, e.g., basic additions, subtractions, multiplications.
• RQF level 2 in English or ability to pass a basic English assessment at interview e.g., basic reading and report writing.
Progression to SS8;
• Dependent upon level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare and must complete of qualification within 2 years.
As part of your role, you’ll receive a comprehensive and structured training programme, which includes:
• Children’s Homes Regulations
• Quality Standards (2015)
• Ofsted Inspection Framework
• Statutory guidance for Looked After Children (LAC), including the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review Regulations (2010)
We are committed to your professional growth. It is expected that the successful candidate will complete a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare within two years of starting the role.
“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
Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner
As a Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner, you’ll guide and support staff while continuing to work directly with vulnerable children with the highest levels of need. You’ll oversee high-quality care, provide supervision to the team and maintain accurate records to support each child’s progress.
Salary: £35,282 – £37,629 per annum pro rata (including two weekend working increments)
Working pattern: Full Time or Part Time
Some posts may include shift work, weekend working and sleep-in duties (additional payments for sleep-ins will apply).
Contract: Permanent
ℹ For more information, please see the specific job listing.
We regret that we are unable to offer sponsorship of visas for these positions.
We are looking for people who:
• Have experience working directly with children in a residential care setting.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of child care and child development.
• Can produce and review detailed care plans and risk assessments.
• Bring a professionally nurturing approach to supporting children who may display challenging behaviours due to past experiences.
ℹ For more information, please see the Job Description & Person Specification.
We welcome applications from people with a wide range of experiences and are committed to providing support and adjustments where needed.
• RQF Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare or previously recognised level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare.
• RQF level 2 in Maths or ability to pass a basic maths assessment at interview, e.g., basic additions, subtractions, multiplications.
• RQF level 2 in English or ability to pass a basic English assessment at interview e.g., basic reading and report writing.
As a new member of our team, you’ll have access to the East Sussex Learning Portal—a dedicated platform offering a wide range of bespoke training and eLearning designed specifically for Children’s Services staff. East Sussex County Council is committed to your professional development, ensuring you have the tools, knowledge, and support needed to grow and thrive in your role.
‘”The best thing about working for East Sussex is knowing every person who works here cares about our residents and wants to achieve the best outcomes for them.”
— Casey, Project Officer
Residential Deputy Homes Manager
As a Residential Deputy Homes Manager, you’ll support the day-to-day running of the home alongside the Registered Homes Manager, helping to lead the team, maintain high standards of care, oversee staff supervision and training, and contribute to care planning and risk management to support the best outcomes for children.
Salary: £38,2872 – £45,850 per annum (including weekend working increments)
Working pattern: Full Time or Part Time
Contract: Permanent
ℹ For more information, please see the specific job listing.
We are looking for people who:
• Have a proven track record of working with children and young people in a residential setting.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of child development, attachment, trauma, and therapeutic parenting.
• Have significant experience in children’s residential care.
• Bring managerial or supervisory experience.
• Are confident in implementing care plans and contributing to safeguarding practices.
ℹ For more information, please see the Job Description & Person Specification.
We welcome applications from people with a wide range of experiences and are committed to providing support and adjustments where needed.
• RQF Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare or previously recognised level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare.
• Ability and willingness to achieve Level 5 in Leadership and Management within 2-3 years of appointment.
As a new member of our team, you’ll have access to the East Sussex Learning Portal—a dedicated platform offering a wide range of bespoke training and eLearning designed specifically for Children’s Services staff. East Sussex County Council is committed to your professional development, ensuring you have the tools, knowledge, and support needed to grow and thrive in your role.
“I really like the hands-on approach of support work and knowing that I’m making a difference”
— Kayleigh, Team Leader
Registered Homes Manager
As a Registered Homes Manager, you’ll lead a residential children’s home, delivering high-quality, individualised care for young people with complex needs. You’ll provide strong leadership, develop and support your team, and work with families and professionals to help children thrive, while meeting the requirements of the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015.
Salary: Local Managerial Grade 2
Working pattern: Full Time or Part Time
Contract: Permanent
ℹ For more information, please see the specific job listing.
We are looking for people who:
• Communicate clearly and confidently, both verbally and in writing, even in complex or emotionally charged situations.• Demonstrate strong leadership and team management skills, including staff development and reflective supervision.
• Have a solid understanding of how to engage effectively with children and young people.
• Show resilience, motivation, and the ability to manage emotionally and behaviourally challenging situations.
• Are knowledgeable about the Ofsted Inspection Framework, Children’s Homes Regulations, and Quality Standards 2015.
• Understand safeguarding procedures and have experience implementing care plans to protect children and young people.
• Make sound decisions while managing competing demands and priorities.
ℹ For more information, please see the Job Description & Person Specification within the specific job listing.
We welcome applications from people with a wide range of experiences and are committed to providing support and adjustments where needed.
• RQF Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare or previously recognised level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare.
• Ability and willingness to complete a level 5 Diploma within two years, if not already held, as required by the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015.
As a new member of our team, you’ll have access to the East Sussex Learning Portal—a dedicated platform offering a wide range of bespoke training and eLearning designed specifically for Children’s Services staff. East Sussex County Council is committed to your professional development, ensuring you have the tools, knowledge, and support needed to grow and thrive in your role.
Change your world and theirs. Choose East Sussex.