Job Description

About Us







Orchard House is an 'Outstanding' OFSTED rated children's residential home that provides a range of services to children who have severe and complex learning disabilities from ages 5 to 18, and their families. We provide personalised support to suit each child's needs, offering everything from clubs and day care to short breaks and full-time residential care.



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 create enriching experiences that help children grow, feel safe, and most importantly have fun while reaching their full potential.



Our Residential Childcare Worker at Orchard House says "It is as rewarding as I thought it would be....I have never worked with a team who have made me feel part of them so quickly, or so well supported and appreciated as our team have at Orchard House."


About the Role

Salary:

28,598 - 30,023 per annum (includes weekend working allowance) plus excellent pension, annual leave and additional benefits

Working Pattern:

Full time, 37 hours per week

Contract:

Permanent

Location:

Cuckfield, Haywards Heath

Shifts and Rotas:

for day work, you will be required to work on a shift rota between 07:00 - 22:00, including every other weekend and approximately two sleep-in duties per month currently with enhanced pay. This can be discussed with candidates in more detail at interview.

Children's Residential Recruitment and Retention Payment scheme - 1500 during your first 18 months while you remain in the County Council's permanent employment during this time to support our new employees in this vital role!

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.



A Residential Childcare Worker's routine at Orchard House is varied, and while sometimes challenging, it is always rewarding. Supporting children day to day can involve helping with morning routines, building their independence skills, guiding them in activities and joining them on trips. You will spend time building strong relationships with the children, creating a safe and nurturing environment, as well as working closely with families and other professionals to meet a child's individual needs.



We're looking for people who are compassionate, patient, and resilient. If you can bring your creativity while ensuring children feel valued, respected, and supported in reaching their full potential, we encourage you to apply today!

Please note applications will be reviewed on an ongoing 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.

For a full list of key skills, experience and qualification requirements please refer to the job description attached 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 you can achieve your full potential and are rewarded for the work you do.



In addition to working within a great team and a brilliant opportunity you will receive:


an excellent local government pension scheme generous holiday entitlement of 27 to 28 days, depending on job title and length of service access to a wide selection of retail discounts and savings such as groceries, shopping, travel and more through our West Sussex Choices benefits platform. a range of commuting and business travel discount and initiatives maternity, paternity, dependency and adoption leave health and wellbeing benefits including access to our Employee Assistance Programme financial wellbeing support including access to educational tools and webinars, loans or debt consolidation options and savings scheme training and development opportunities, including coaching and mentoring

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 Specialist) charlotte.blandford@westsussex.gov.uk



To apply, upload your CV and application form, 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 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

28 December 2025