Residential Care Officer Rainbow Lodge in Rottingdean

Do you enjoy helping children and young people achieve their full potential? Do you have experience supporting children or young people with learning disabilities, autism, or complex needs? Can you build trusting relationships with children, families, and professionals from a wide range of backgrounds? Are you looking for a rewarding role where no two days are the same and where you can make a genuine difference every day? If so, we would love to hear from you.

At Rainbow Lodge, we provide a safe, nurturing and inclusive home for children and young people with learning disabilities and complex needs. We are committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to develop independence, enjoy new experiences, have their voice heard, and achieve the best possible outcomes. Our team works together to create a positive and supportive environment where diversity is celebrated, individuality is respected, and children are encouraged to thrive.

As a Residential Care Officer, you will play a vital role in supporting children and young people with learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, additional health needs and behaviours of concern. You will help create positive experiences and opportunities that support children to develop life skills, independence and confidence.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing high-quality care and support tailored to each young person's individual needs.
• Supporting children with personal and intimate care when required.
• Building positive and trusting relationships with children, their families and other professionals.
• Supporting children to participate in fun, meaningful and inclusive activities both at home and in the community.
• Using a range of communication approaches, including visual communication tools and Makaton where appropriate.
• Supporting children during times of distress or behaviours of concern using positive behaviour support approaches.
• Maintaining accurate records and contributing to care planning and risk assessments.
• Working as part of a supportive team to provide a safe, welcoming and homely environment.
• Assisting with day-to-day household tasks including meal preparation, shopping and maintaining the home.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking caring, resilient and motivated individuals who:

• May have experience working with children and young people with learning disabilities, autism, complex needs or other vulnerable groups.
• Can communicate effectively with children, families and professionals from diverse backgrounds.
• Understand the importance of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Can remain calm and supportive in challenging situations.
• Can work as part of a team while also using their own initiative.
• Are reflective, willing to learn and committed to delivering high-quality care.
• Share our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Knowledge of alternative communication methods, such as Makaton or Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS), would be beneficial but is not essential as training can be provided.

Why Join Us?

Working at Rainbow Lodge is both rewarding and meaningful. Every day brings opportunities to support children to achieve something new, whether that is learning a life skill, enjoying a new experience, building confidence or developing greater independence. We offer:

• A comprehensive induction programme and ongoing support.
• Excellent training opportunities, including specialist training in communication, safeguarding and positive behaviour support.
• Support to achieve the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare if not already held.
• Opportunities for career progression within Children's Disability Services and the wider council.
• Regular supervision and professional development.
• Enhancements for evenings, weekends, bank holidays and sleep-in duties.
• Additional shifts may be available.
• Access to the wide range of benefits available to Brighton & Hove City Council employees.

Our staff regularly tell us that the most rewarding part of the role is seeing children grow in confidence, develop new skills and achieve goals that previously seemed out of reach.

Working Pattern

This role involves working a rolling rota which includes:

• Early shifts (7.00am to 2.30pm).
• Late shifts (2.00pm to 9.30pm/10.00pm).
• Some shifts during the weekends.
• Some Sleep-in duties.
• Occasional work across other residential children's homes within the service as required.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and communities. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve and creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

We particularly encourage applicants from a BME or White Other background as well as those who identify as disabled, male or trans.