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.
About the Role
Salary: £28,598 - £30,023 per annum including weekend working allowance (pro-rata for part time, salary £27,254 - £28,598 plus weekend working allowance of £1,344 - £1,425)
Working Pattern: 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, Children's residential care careers.
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 CAFHE05448 .
For an informal conversation or further information regarding the role, please contact one of the following people;
Eerik Sjostedt (Registered Manager) [email protected]
Charlotte Blandford (Resourcing Specialist) [email protected]
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 fully 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!
Job Reference: CAFHE05448
