About Us
WSCC operate a range of children’s homes which provide a diverse range of services to some of the most vulnerable and ‘at risk’ children in the County, ranging in age from 7 to 18 years. These services include full time care (Looked After Children), short breaks, shared care, outreach services, day care and access to clubs and activities in the homes. The children looked after within our homes present varying levels of risk to themselves and others. The services we provide to those not looked after on a full-time basis have a significant and direct impact in reducing the risk of familial breakdown.
Our aim at WSCC is to put the children first and secure the best outcomes for them by listening to their needs and ensuring they have a voice and are heard. All children in residential care should be loved, happy, healthy, safe from harm and able to develop, thrive and fulfil their potential. It is our responsibility to ensure that this happens.
Joining our children’s residential service will mean being able to make a genuine difference to the lives of children, young people and families. You will be a part of a friendly and supportive team who are passionate about their work.
For more information, please visit our dedicated Residential website
The Opportunity
Salary: £37,035 - £39,513 pro-rata for part time (£35,235 - £37,938 per annum for salary, weekend working £1800 - £1575)
Working Pattern: Full time hours available (37 hours full time) + rota for evening and weekend work
Contract: Permanent
Location: Worthing
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 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.
As a Team Leader for one of our Residential Homes in Worthing, you will lead on key areas such as health and safety, training and supervision of staff, creating rotas and overseeing medication for children.
You will be expected to play a key part in new referrals to the Home, leading and arranging activities around children’s needs and ensuring all children are safe with their emotional, physical, educational and social needs met. You will motivate children and staff to reach their full potential through positive role modelling, mentoring, planning and resolving problems and barriers.
To succeed in this role, you will build positive relationships with key professionals, the child’s family and the child. You will motivate staff and children to achieve their full potential whilst effectively prioritising tasks and managing your time.
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.
Experience and Skills
1. Experience of working within a team, dealing with a diverse range of situations while prioritising the wellbeing of children and achieving set targets.
2. Significant level of experience within a position relevant to the residential care of children.
3. Sound experience of key working, in order to create assessments and plans for individual Children.
4. Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare or equivalent qualification.
5. Developing knowledge of a childcare related specialism.
6. Experience of working within internal policies and procedures and statutory responsibilities e.g. Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Social Care Inspection Framework.
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 brilliant opportunity you will receive:
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.