Job Description

About Us







Orchard House is an 'Outstanding' OFSTED rated children's residential home providing a range of services that make a difference to the lives of children who have severe and complex learning disabilities, and their families.



Nestled in a picturesque area, our newly modernised home features an expansive garden filled with diverse resources and activities from tailored lounges, quiet spaces to a dedicated train hut! Our dedicated team are able to create enriching experiences that help children grow, feel safe, and most importantly have fun while reaching their full potential. For example, every summer is packed with themed weeks, exciting field trips, and shared BBQs with other homes.



Our support is tailored to meet individual needs and ranges from clubs and day care to short breaks and full-time care.



We are a large, cohesive team who can discuss ideas and challenge issues to inform decision making and we believe in looking after each other so that we are able to offer our best to the children.



As our Residential Childcare Worker says "Watching our young people thrive and grow, while challenging at times, makes your time here very rewarding."



What do other people say about us:



"a fantastic home, where everyone went way beyond what we were expecting and always with a smile. Orchard House and its staff will stay in our hearts forever."



"a thoughtful, enthusiastic and reflective team who were really energising to work with."



For more information, please visit our dedicated Residential website, Children's residential care careers.


About the Role

Salary:

28,598 - 30,023 per annum including weekend working allowance with excellent local government pension scheme, annual leave entitlement and further benefits.

Working Pattern:

Part time and full time (37 hours full time) + rota for evening and weekend work

Contract:

Permanent

Location:

Cuckfield, Haywards Heath

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.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply at your earliest convenience

Experience and Skills


Some of the key skills and experience required for the role are:


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. Sound communication and interpersonal skills to a range of children and families. Ability to promote and encourage a multi-agency approach to support the child. Ability to use initiative to resolve problems within given parameters. Ability to work under pressure and prioritise work. Ability to work as part of a team around a child. Good standard of literacy e.g. ability to write reports around individuals and significant incidents, with a Grade C or above (4-9) in GCSE or equivalent qualification in English. If you do not hold this, you will need to apply for English Functional Skills before being considered for this role. You can find out more about gaining an English Functional Skills on the Government website Improve your English, Maths and IT Skills.

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



For the full list of experience, qualification and key skills required please review the attached job description below.


Rewards and Benefits


As an employer we recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance, and are rewarded for the work they do.



In addition to working within a great team and a competitive salary you will have access to:



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.


Further Information


The reference number for this role is

CAFHE05432

.



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



Sue Wadey (Registered Manager) sue.wadey@westsussex.gov.uk



Charlotte Blandford (Resourcing Advisor) charlotte.blandford@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. A full employment history will also be requested and covered for this role.



Equity, inclusion and accessibility is very important to West Sussex County Council. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, as this helps us build a diverse and talented workforce, that reflects the communities we serve. We ensure our approach to recruitment is flexible and supportive to enable all applicants to be at their best and to ensure they have the best possible chance of success.



We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that have a disability, are a veteran or are a care leaver. More information 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!



LOCATION

Haywards Heath area

CONTRACT TYPE

Permanent

JOB TYPE

Children's Services

CLOSING DATE

30 November 2025