Carer – The White House Milton

About the role

The White House is a three-bedroom home in Milton for young people aged 8 to 14, accommodating both male and female residents on a planned admission basis. This role involves the day-to-day interaction and care of up to three children with a range of complex needs.

Working alongside children, you will help them achieve their specific individual needs and improve their future outcomes. You will apply relevant legislation, policies, procedures and guidance relating to residential childcare, and work with other professionals — including schools and therapists — to provide a consistent team approach to managing care and risk. With support from a senior staff member (sometimes on call rather than physically present), you will make sound judgements in the moment concerning safeguarding and general safety and wellbeing, within policy and practice.

Key responsibilities include:

• Attending meetings with children or representing the team at meetings with external professionals and agencies
• Applying relevant legislation, policies, and guidance to uphold high standards of care
• Writing contact sheets and reports using strong written and IT skills
• Making sound, justifiable safeguarding decisions that demonstrate consistent care standards
• Maintaining proactive engagement with your own learning and development, including reading, e-learning, courses, and keeping up with legislation and guidance

Shift pattern information is not specified in the advert. Candidates are encouraged to download and read the full job profile for further detail on working arrangements.

To apply, complete the online application form and include your full career and education history. CVs are not reviewed at the shortlisting stage. 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 to ensure only relevant information is considered. For support completing the application form, contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.

About You

This role suits someone who can build genuine relationships with children and young people and remain calm and focused when working under pressure. You will be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team, and confident liaising with a range of professionals, families, and colleagues.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a QCF Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or an equivalent qualification, or be willing to work towards it — a verifiable pass in English and Maths is also essential
• Have good listening skills and the ability to remain calm and focused when working under pressure
• Be able to effectively engage and build relationships with children
• Have an understanding of the issues and pressures affecting children today
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills, with the ability to liaise confidently with other agencies, parents, colleagues, and children
• Possess good written and IT skills, sufficient to produce contact sheets and reports to the required standard
• Be able to converse at ease and provide advice in accurate spoken English — this is essential for the post
• Hold a full driving licence

Portsmouth City Council is a Disability Confident employer and holds an Armed Forces Covenant. An interview will be offered to candidates who qualify under either commitment and meet the minimum criteria, though where a high volume of applications is received, the candidates best meeting the minimum criteria will be selected. Further information is available on the council's equality, diversity and inclusion careers page.

This post is subject to Portsmouth City Council and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required prior to any offer of employment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. You will need to demonstrate your right to work in the UK — no post will be offered without it. Sponsorship is not available for this position. You will also be required to explain any gaps in your career history within the last five years.

Portsmouth City Council's Offer to You

Portsmouth City Council is guided by core values that set out who they are as people, what they stand for, and how they act: respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and being people-focused. These values underpin how staff contribute to the success of the council and their own success as individuals.