At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and care for children with complex needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Portsmouth City Council, dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of a team that helps children thrive and reach their potential.
- Qualifications: QCF Level 3 Diploma in residential childcare or willingness to obtain it.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and meaningful connections.
The predicted salary is between 11 - 16 Β£ per hour.
We are looking for a Children's Home Carer to join our team, this is a part time role based at Beechside Children's Home. The ideal person must be highly committed to children and young people, have the ability to contribute towards a caring environment, communicate positively and effectively, and can maintain their own workload.
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 be expected to apply relevant legislation, policies and procedures and guidance relating to residential childcare. You will be expected to work alongside other professionals such as social workers, schools and therapists to provide a consistent team approach to manage care & risk and attend meetings with young people or represent the team at meetings. You will work alongside children by helping them to achieve their specific individual needs and improving their future outcomes.
The ideal candidate will need to have/be:
- A QCF Level 3 Diploma in residential childcare or equivalent qualification. If you donβt have this qualification, then you will be required to work towards within 2 years of employment.
- Professional experience of working in a residential children's setting.
- The ability to form warm and positive relationships with children to support their development and positive experiences.
- Good listening skills and the ability to remain calm and focused when working under pressure.
- Good written skills to write contact sheets and reports.
- Willingness to use your initiative and make decisions around the needs of children on a day-to-day basis.
- Flexibility in being able to adapt to changing workloads of the team.
- The ability to work alone and as part of a team.
- Ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English.
- Awareness of the needs of children with learning and physical disabilities - Desirable.
- Knowledge of how to safeguard and support children in a short breaks service - Desirable.
- A driving license and a Midas qualification - Desirable.
Please ensure that you 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.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion: Sam Stokes, Registered Manager.
Please note: You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
Application process: We anonymise applications during application & shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. As part of your application, we ask that you complete a personal statement, this statement is crucial and is where you must demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the job against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills.
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal.
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. DBS Disclosure at Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures.
Children\'s Home Carer - Beechside Childrens Home - Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Contact Detail:
Portsmouth City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Children\'s Home Carer - Beechside Childrens Home - Portsmouth
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Beechside Children's Home and Portsmouth City Council. Understanding their values and mission will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the role and the team, plus it shows your commitment to building relationships, which is key in this line of work.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario-based questions! Think about how you'd handle specific situations with children and young people. Use examples from your experience to demonstrate your skills in building positive relationships and supporting their development.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. Itβs a nice touch that keeps you on their radar and reinforces your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it shows youβre proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Children\'s Home Carer - Beechside Childrens Home - Portsmouth
Some tips for your application π«‘
Read the Job Profile Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read the job profile thoroughly. Pay special attention to the 'Who is the Person' section, as this will guide you on how to tailor your personal statement to match what we're looking for.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Use it to demonstrate how your experiences and skills align with the requirements of the role. Be specific and provide examples that showcase your ability to build positive relationships with children.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on roles or situations where you've worked with children or in a caring environment. Highlight any qualifications or training that relate to residential childcare, as this will strengthen your application.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. This way, we can ensure your application is received and processed efficiently. Plus, itβs super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
β¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Children's Home Carer inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, especially around building relationships with children and working with other professionals. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
β¨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to support children and manage complex needs. Think about times when you've successfully built relationships or handled challenging situations. This will give the interviewers a clear picture of how you can contribute to their team.
β¨Be Personable and Engaging
Since this role is all about connecting with children, it's important to show your warm and approachable side during the interview. Practice active listening and engage with the interviewers as if they were the children youβll be caring for. This will highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively.
β¨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess how you'd handle specific situations with children. Think through potential challenges you might face and how you would respond. This will not only prepare you for the questions but also demonstrate your problem-solving skills and child-centred approach.