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 in Lavant 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 in Lavant
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Beechside Children's Home and Portsmouth City Council. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect your experiences to what theyβre looking for.
β¨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your past experiences align with the role of a Childrenβs Home Carer, especially your ability to build positive relationships with children.
β¨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've supported young people in the past and how you can contribute to their development at Beechside.
β¨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Children\'s Home Carer - Beechside Childrens Home - Portsmouth in Lavant
Some tips for your application π«‘
Read the Job Profile Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job profile. Itβs packed with info about what weβre looking for, especially in the 'Who is the Person' section. Make sure you understand the key points so you can tailor your personal statement accordingly.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Use it to show us how your experiences and skills match the requirements of the role. Be specific and give examples from your past work or personal life that demonstrate your ability to connect with children and support their needs.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If youβve got a QCF Level 3 Diploma in residential childcare or any equivalent qualifications, make sure to mention them! If you donβt have it yet, let us know how you plan to achieve it within two years. We love seeing commitment to professional development!
Be Yourself and Show Your Passion: We want to see the real you! Donβt be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Show us your passion for working with children and how you can contribute to creating a caring environment at Beechside Childrenβs Home. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
β¨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Children's Home Carer inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and the specific needs of children in care. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
β¨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to build positive relationships with children. Think about times when you've successfully supported a child or young person, especially those with complex needs. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
β¨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess how you'd handle specific situations with children. Practice responding to questions like, 'How would you manage a conflict between two children?' or 'What would you do if a child is upset?' This shows your problem-solving skills and your understanding of child-centred care.
β¨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer. This could be about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they measure success in the role. It shows that you're engaged and serious about contributing positively to the children's home.