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

To apply for this role, please complete an online application including a personal statement demonstrating how you meet the requirements outlined in the job profile. For support with your application, contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.

About You

You will have excellent communication skills and the ability to effectively engage and build relationships with children. 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 through reading, courses, e-learning, presentations, legislation, policy and guidance
• Have an understanding of the issues and pressures affecting children today
• Possess excellent communication skills for liaising with other agencies, parents, colleagues and children
• Have good written and IT skills to write contact sheets and reports
• Be able to converse at ease and provide advice in accurate spoken English
• Hold a full driving licence

We are a disability confident employer and have an Armed Forces Covenant. We are committed to offering an interview to all candidates that qualify under one of our commitments and meet the minimum criteria.

This post requires an Enhanced DBS check and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. You must demonstrate the right to work in the UK, and we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position. You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years.

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.

We anonymise applications during application and shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered, promoting fair and inclusive recruitment practices. Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion extends throughout the organisation, creating an environment where all staff can thrive and contribute their best work to supporting vulnerable children and young people.