Breakwater offers short to medium term residential care for children aged 12-17 on admission. You will be working with children who present a range of social, emotional, and mental health difficulties due to family breakdown and early childhood trauma. Children who are referred to Breakwater are often victims of exploitation, involved in crime, and may have experienced a breakdown in education provision. They may be at risk of becoming homeless and have limited support around them.

Alongside the main part of the home, Breakwater also offers two smaller self-contained flats to support children who are looking to move into semi-independent living. We recognise that the transition to adulthood can be challenging, and that we need to promote emotional and social development alongside practical skills to achieve readiness for the future. The two flats are fully equipped for children to meet all their independence needs, with the additional support of staff being on hand when needed. While living in these flats, the children complete a six-month programme, which prepares them for independent living. The Breakwater team are trained in a range of interventions to promote independence and support children during this transitional period.

Salary: £24,496 - £25,878 per annum including weekend working allowance (pro-rata for part time, salary £23,194-£24,496 plus weekend working allowance of £1,302 - £1,382)
Working Pattern: Part time and full time (37 hours full time) + rota for evening and weekend work
Contract: Permanent
Location: Shoreham

Children’s Residential Recruitment and Retention Payment scheme - £1500 during your first 18 months

To support recruitment into this vital area West Sussex County Council offer £1,500 during the employee’s first 18 months where they are recruited to a new permanent role which is identified as hard to recruit and remain in the County Council’s employment during this time.

The scheme consists of two payments: £500 after successful completion of 6 months employment (including successful completion of probation where relevant) and £1,000 after 18 months

To succeed at this role, you will help to provide a nurturing, positive and safe environment for our children and young people, ensuring that we meet our statutory obligations to the highest standards possible. With direct responsibility for designated children or young people, you will ensure that each person is given the appropriate care and support to achieve their full potential.

For more information, please visit our dedicated Residential website, Careers in Children's Residential Care.

Shifts and rotas - for day work, you will be required to work on a shift rota between 07:00 – 22:00, which will include every other weekend and sleep in duties when needed. This will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate.

Essential

• Good standard of literacy e.g. ability to write reports around individuals and significant incidents and to be able to write application for level 3 diploma if required. Could be gained through formal education or vocational experience
• Grade D or above (3+) in GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English (Grade C or above (4-9) preferred)
• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent. If you do not have this, the service will support you to complete this qualification; you must achieve this within two years of appointment as it is a statutory requirement of this post

Desirable

• Awareness of the development needs of children in residential care.
• Knowledge of Children’s home regulations 2015 (England)
• Knowledge of how to support children who have experienced trauma, harm or abuse
• Previous childcare experience, preferably in a residential setting
• Experience of working with children with disabilities, complex high-risk adolescents or related experience e.g. adults with disabilities

If you do not hold a Maths and English GCSE at grade D/3 or equivalent, you will need to apply for Maths and English Functional Skills before being considered for this role. You can find out more about gaining a Maths and English Functional Skills on the Government website Improve your English, Maths and IT Skills.

Please be advised you are required to bring certificates for your Maths and English and any Childcare qualifications you hold.

Rewards and Benefits

• 20+ days of training within your first year.
• An excellent local government pension scheme
• Funding for a Level 3 Diploma for Children’s Workforce, with an opportunity for further funding to enable you to progress your career.
• A clear career path of progression from unqualified to senior qualified.
• You will receive weekend working and sleep-in allowances if you work weekends or night shifts.
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays with the ability to buy additional leave annually.

For a full list of the benefits offered to you as a West Sussex County Council employee you can find them on our Rewards and Benefits page.

The reference number for this role is CAFHE03670 .

For an informal conversation or further information regarding the role, please contact one of the following people;

Elaine West (Resourcing Advisor) elaine.west@westsussex.gov.uk

Eerik Sjosedt (Registered Manager) eerik.sjostedt@westsussex.gov.uk

To apply, upload your CV and cover letter, explaining the skills and experience you can bring to the role, ensuring that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, 5 years referencing and an occupational health check.

For information regarding your eligibility to apply for this role under our Disability or Veteran’s Guaranteed Interview Scheme, this can be found on our application help page.

Note for Recruitment Agencies: We prefer to hire people directly, but we do have a supplier list for when we need a helping hand. We'll be in touch directly if we need you!