Children's Home Carer - The White House Milton

About the role

We are looking for someone to join our team as a Children's Home Carer at one of our homes in Milton. The White House is a three-bedroom home for young people aged 8 - 14 and accommodates both male and female residents on a planned admission basis.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day interaction and care of up to three 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. With support from a senior staff member (sometimes on call not physically present) you will make sound judgements in the moment concerning safeguarding and general safety and wellbeing. These decisions must be within policy and practice and justifiable, demonstrating high standards of care.

This is a part time role working 18.5 hours on a rota, the rota is completed over a period of one month - from the 1st of the month to the end of the month.

Key responsibilities include:

• Applying relevant legislation, policies, procedures and guidance relating to residential childcare
• Working alongside other professionals, for example schools and therapists to provide a consistent team approach to manage care and risk
• Attending meetings with children or representing the team at meetings
• Writing contact sheets and reports using good written and IT skills
• Liaising with other agencies, parents, colleagues and children

Please ensure that you download and read the full job profile attached for the details and expectations of this role, paying particular attention to the section 'Who is the person' as you will need to refer to this when completing your Personal statement. Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.

About You

We are looking for someone who can effectively engage and build relationships with children and has an understanding of the issues and pressures affecting children today. You will need good listening skills and be able to remain calm and focussed when working under pressure.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have a QCF Level 3 Diploma in residential childcare or equivalent qualification or a willingness to work towards it, with a verifiable pass in English and Maths
• Take a proactive role in keeping your own learning and development up to date, including reading, courses, E learning, presentations, legislation, policy and guidance
• Have excellent communication skills as you will be required to liaise with other agencies, parents, colleagues and children
• Have good written and IT skills in order to write contact sheets and reports
• Have the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English
• Have a full driving licence

You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it. We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position. 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. 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.

Portsmouth City's 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.

We are a disability confident employer and have an Armed Forces Covenant. We are committed to offering an interview to all those candidates that qualify under one of our commitments and meet the minimum criteria, however, for roles that receive a large number of applications, this is not always possible, and we will select the candidates that best meet the minimum criteria.