Carer, The White House Milton

About the role

The White House in Milton is a three-bedroom home for young people aged 8 to 14, accommodating both male and female residents on a planned admission basis. This part-time role of 18.5 hours per week, worked on a rota basis, sits at the centre of the day-to-day care and support provided to up to three children with a range of complex needs.

You will work directly alongside children to help them achieve their individual goals and improve their future outcomes, applying relevant legislation, policies, procedures, and guidance relating to residential childcare. The role involves collaborating with other professionals — including schools and therapists — to deliver a consistent team approach to care and risk management. With support from a senior staff member (who may sometimes be on call rather than physically present), you will make sound, justifiable judgements in the moment on safeguarding, safety, and wellbeing.

This role includes:

• Day-to-day interaction and care for up to three children with complex needs
• Working with external professionals to maintain a consistent approach to care and risk
• Attending meetings with children or representing the team at external meetings
• Applying legislation, policies, and guidance to practice, demonstrating high standards of care
• Writing contact sheets and reports, and maintaining accurate records using IT systems

Hours are worked on a rota basis across the week. Further detail on shift patterns and rota arrangements is set out in the attached job profile, which you are encouraged to read in full before applying.

To apply, complete an application form and personal statement via the Portsmouth City Council careers portal. Your personal statement is essential: use it to demonstrate how you meet each point in the 'Who is the Person' section of the job profile, drawing on examples from your experience or transferable skills. Applications are anonymised during shortlisting. For support completing your application, contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.

About You

We are looking for someone who can build genuine relationships with children and young people, remain calm when working under pressure, and communicate clearly with a range of people — from children and families to schools and external agencies.

You will bring good listening skills, sound written and IT abilities, and the confidence to exercise judgement in a role where senior support may not always be immediately on hand. The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a QCF Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or an equivalent qualification, or have a willingness to work towards it — this is essential, along with a verifiable pass in English and Maths
• Take a proactive role in keeping learning and development up to date, including through reading, courses, e-learning, and engagement with current legislation, policy, and guidance
• Demonstrate good listening skills and the ability to remain calm and focused when working under pressure
• Effectively engage and build relationships with children and young people
• Have an understanding of the issues and pressures affecting children today
• Communicate clearly and accurately in both spoken and written English, including with other agencies, parents, colleagues, and children
• Produce well-written contact sheets and reports using appropriate IT systems
• Hold a full, valid driving licence

Portsmouth City Council is a Disability Confident employer and holds an Armed Forces Covenant. Candidates who qualify under either commitment and meet the minimum criteria are prioritised for interview, though this may not always be possible where a large number of applications is received.

Right to work in the UK must be demonstrated before any offer is made. Sponsorship is not available for this post.

This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All appointments are made in line with Portsmouth City Council and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures. You will be required to explain any gaps in your employment history within the last five years.

Portsmouth City Council's Offer to You

Portsmouth City Council is guided by core values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and being people-focused. These values shape how colleagues work together and how each person contributes to the success of the council and their own development.

Applications are anonymised during shortlisting to ensure decisions are based only on relevant information. Further information on benefits and working at Portsmouth City Council is available on the careers portal — click Apply Now to discover more.