Children and Young People Support Worker (AWDO-P14898) in Eastbourne)

An excellent opportunity for a compassionate Children and Young People Support Worker with experience supporting children affected by trauma, abuse or adverse childhood experiences.

This role is known internally as a Therapeutic Practitioner for Children & Young People.

2 Positions Available

SALARY: £28,816 per annum + Benefits

JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent

LOCATION: Two vacancies – one based in Bexhill and one covering Seaford, Crowborough and Eastbourne – travel is required across services throughout East Sussex.

WORKING HOURS: 37 Hours per Week, Monday to Friday - Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

DUTIES

• Building Trusted Relationships: Develop safe, meaningful and supportive relationships with children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse.
• Delivering Therapeutic Activities: Plan and deliver engaging one-to-one and group sessions using creative approaches such as play, art, sensory activities, music, journaling and therapeutic games.
• Supporting Recovery and Wellbeing: Help children and young people develop emotional wellbeing, resilience, confidence, recovery and healthy development.
• Promoting Healthy Relationships: Support children and young people to understand healthy relationships, consent, emotional regulation, boundaries and online safety.
• Developing Life Skills: Support young people preparing for adulthood through life skills, education, confidence-building and career guidance.
• Working with Families: Work alongside parents and carers to strengthen family relationships and promote children’s wellbeing.
• Safeguarding and Record Keeping: Complete assessments, maintain accurate records and contribute to safeguarding plans in line with child protection procedures.
• Partnership Working: Work closely with schools, social care, CAMHS, health professionals and other partner agencies to support positive outcomes.
• Creating Safe Environments: Help create safe, nurturing and child-centred refuge environments where children feel heard, valued and supported.
• Reflective Practice: Engage in regular supervision, protected reflection time and professional development to continually improve practice.

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Experience working directly with children and young people.
• Experience supporting children affected by trauma, abuse or adverse childhood experiences.
• A sound understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
• Knowledge of child development and trauma‑informed practice.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with children, young people and families.
• Confidence delivering one-to-one and group activities.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• A reflective, compassionate and non‑judgemental approach.
• Ability to work flexibly across refuge accommodation throughout East Sussex.

Desirable

• Experience supporting children with SEND.
• Experience working within domestic abuse services.
• Child IDVA or related qualification.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Benefits

• 27 days annual leave per annum, plus bank holidays, increasing with service.
• Birthday Day off and option to buy additional annual leave.
• 2 paid Volunteer Days each year.
• 5% employer pension contribution (matched 5% employee contribution).
• Healthcare Cash Plan and Life Assurance (3 x salary).
• Annual salary review.
• Refer a Friend scheme.
• Access to Benefit Hub with retail discounts, Cycle to Work scheme and additional voluntary benefits.

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

Closing date: 24th July 2026

Interviews: will take place face to face in Seaford.

Job Ref: AWDO-P14898