Children's Home Carer - Beechside Short Break Service

About the role

Beechside Short Break Service provides care and short break accommodation for up to six young people aged between 5 - 18 years. The service is tailored to meet individual children's needs, that have a learning or a physical disability, often alongside communication needs.

The key part of the role is working directly with children and young people. The role requires a child centred approach and ability to build warm, strong and positive relationships with our children and young people. You will be responsible for the day-to-day care of up to six children with a range of complex needs. You will work alongside children by helping them to achieve their specific individual needs and improving their future outcomes.

This role includes:

• Applying relevant legislation, policies and procedures and guidance relating to residential childcare
• Working alongside other professionals such as social workers, schools and therapists to provide a consistent team approach to manage care and risk
• Attending meetings with young people or representing the team at meetings as appropriate
• Inputting information into the client database and carrying out other related administrative tasks

To apply, please complete the online application form. For an informal discussion about the role, contact Sam Stokes, Registered Manager, at sam.stokes@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or 023 92 688 039.

About You

If you believe in child-centred care, teamwork, compassion, and creating positive experiences for young people, we would love to hear from you. You will bring warmth, empathy, and patience to your interactions with children while supporting them to grow, achieve, and experience positive outcomes.

The ideal candidate will:

• Bring warmth, empathy, and patience to your interactions with children
• Support children to grow, achieve, and experience positive outcomes
• Communicate clearly and professionally with children, families, and colleagues
• Stay calm under pressure and respond sensitively to challenging situations
• Work flexibly - both independently and as part of a supportive team
• Have strong written skills for care notes and reports
• Engage in ongoing learning and development
• Converse confidently in spoken English with parents, professionals, and children
• Ideally have a QCF Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or willingness to achieve this within 2 years)
• Preferably have experience in a residential children's setting
• Understanding of the needs of children with disabilities would be beneficial
• Knowledge of safeguarding practices in short-break settings would be advantageous
• Hold a full driving licence (Midas qualification desirable)

We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Standard/Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years - this is essential for all safeguarding roles. You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK.

Portsmouth City Council Offer to You

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.

We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals.