Careers

Overview

At My Choice children’s Homes, we look after children up to the age of 18 years in long term residential placements. We have nine homes across Sussex and Surrey that provide nurturing environments for our children to thrive. Our children and young people display challenging behaviours including emotional and behavioural difficulties, from trauma-based childhood backgrounds and experiences.

In light of this, it is imperative we recruit staff with the following skills – resilience, kind and caring nature, growth mindset, therapeutic approach to care (PACE), clear boundaries, commitment to achieve the Diploma 3 qualification.

We are looking for enthusiastic, caring people who are keen to find a job that can really make a difference to children’s lives. We welcome applications from people who can adopt a ‘professional parent’ role and provide a child orientated, safe, consistent, and secure environment for the development of our children and young people. Our value base is in line with the PACE approach.

PACE is a trauma-informed approach within DDP that stands for Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy, designed to help children feel safe and build secure attachments.

PACE is a framework for thinking, feeling, communicating, and behaving in ways that make children feel safe, understood, and emotionally connected. Developed by clinical psychologist Dan Hughes, it is central to Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), a therapy model for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or attachment difficulties. PACE emphasizes creating a supportive environment where children can explore their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or criticism.
The four components of PACE are:

Playfulness: Using a light-hearted, relaxed, and engaging approach to interactions, helping children experience joy and connection .

Acceptance: Recognizing and validating the child’s inner experiences and emotions, while separating the child’s behavior from their identity 

Curiosity: Wondering about the child’s thoughts, feelings, and motivations, and exploring the meaning behind their behavior without assumptions 

Empathy: Understanding and reflecting the child’s emotional state, showing that their feelings are heard and valued, even if the adult does not agree with them.

Recruitment Process

Keeping in line with Children’s Homes Regulation 2015, Ofsted requirements and Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, our recruitment process comprises of two interviews (three for a teaching role), two inductions with online training. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and levels of experience, we also operate our own apprentice (trainee) scheme for 18 – 21 year old’s. Please see vacancies page for more information.

Interviews

We have an initial interview at our head office to ascertain skills and knowledge, verify identity proofs and DBS status, and other pre-appointment vetting checks. If a candidate is successful at interview at this stage, they will be invited to a second, informal interview at one of our nine children’s homes–our children and young people have a voice in this stage too!

Inductions

If a candidate is successful at the second interview an offer of employment will be given and the candidate will be invited to a two day induction at head office to complete online courses including child exploitation and child protection.

The second induction will take place in the home you have been selected to work in.

Training

My Choice can guarantee the following for their staff:

  • comprehensive and continued training
  • career development.

All staff are expected to gain their Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare England and are fully supported in this by our Learning and Development Manager. My Choice has a registered training centre with CACHE NCFE and all Diplomas are completed through the centre.

We also offer a bridging course to fill gaps in knowledge if a Level 3 has previously been achieved and we offer Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare England.

All new starters will be enrolled onto a course immediately after employment to ensure Regulation 32 of the Children’s Homes Regulation 2015 is met and adhered to.

My Choice also offer the Therapeutic Practitioners Award facilitated by Lifetrain UK ™ which develops our therapeutic practices within the company. Training provided but is not limited to –

  • Advanced child protection
  • Medication training
  • Self-harm
  • Equality and Diversity
  • CSE
  • Team Teach
  • Restorative justice
  • First aid
  • Food hygiene
  • Health and safety management.

At My Choice, career progression is measured by merit and commitment, not when a vacancy occurs within the company.

Employee Introduction Scheme

My Choice places great importance on the recruitment of experienced employees and we believe that you are the best people to understand the skills and qualities required to work within the Company. We therefore operate an Employee Introduction Scheme which is open to all employees, except Directors and HR.

If you know someone, who is experienced, suitably qualified and possesses the skills to work with young people, you could receive a cash award of £500.00 (subject to deduction of PAYE) made to you when you recommend a candidate who joins My Choice following your introduction.

As My Choice has an independent training centre located near Head office, all training takes place at this venue. The centre is registered with CACHE NCFE and provides a range of courses to staff namely as follows:

  • The Diploma 3 working with children and young people in residential care England
  • The Diploma 5 leadership and management award
  • The CAVA (assessor award)
  • The Level 4 in training and education
  • Early Years Diploma course

Ready to Apply? Click here for our latest vacancies.