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Orchard House is a 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.

We are a creative team who work hard to give children opportunities to develop to their full potential whilst ensuring they feel safe and have a lot of fun.

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 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.

Work here is not always easy, but it is rewarding and every day is different.

What do 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.”

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: 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.

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 (C and above) and any Childcare qualifications you hold.

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 CAFHE03649 .

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

Elaine West (Resourcing Advisor) [email protected]

Sue Wadey (Registered Manager) [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.

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!