At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide compassionate care and support to children with disabilities in a residential setting.
- Company: Join Portsmouth City Council, dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, ongoing training, and work in a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for career growth in a rewarding field.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in social care.
- Qualifications: Empathy, patience, and strong communication skills are essential; experience in childcare is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 € per year.
Beechside Short Break Service provides care and short break accommodation for up to six young people aged between 5 - 18 years. The service is tailored to meet individual children's needs, that have a learning or a physical disability, often alongside communication needs. If you believe in child-centred care, teamwork, compassion, and creating positive experiences for young people, we would love to hear from you.
About the Role
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. You will be required to input information into the client database and carry out other related administrative tasks. Within the role you will also be required to attend meetings with young people or represent the team as appropriate.
The ideal candidate
- Bring warmth, empathy, and patience to your interactions with children.
- Support children to grow, achieve, and experience positive outcomes.
- Communicate clearly and professionally with children, families, and colleagues.
- Stay calm under pressure and respond sensitively to challenging situations.
- Work flexibly both independently and as part of a supportive team.
- Have strong written skills for care notes and reports.
- Engage in ongoing learning and development.
- Converse confidently in spoken English with parents, professionals, and children.
Ideally, you will also have:
- A QCF Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or willingness to achieve this within 2 years).
- Experience in a residential children's setting.
- Understanding of the needs of children with disabilities.
- Knowledge of safeguarding practices in short-break settings.
- A full driving licence (Midas qualification desirable).
Important: 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.
About Portsmouth City Council
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-focused. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals.
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. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work/personal experience.
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal.
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it. Please note: We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position. Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact or call the recruitment team.
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. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures. 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. Please read the relevant DBS privacy notice before submitting any information. You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years - this is essential for all safeguarding roles.
Children's Home Carer - Beechside Short Break Service - Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees have access to ongoing training and growth opportunities, ensuring they can make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. The council's core values of respect, integrity, and collaboration create a positive workplace culture, making it an ideal place for those passionate about social care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Home Carer - Beechside Short Break Service - Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Portsmouth City Council and their values. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your conversations to show how you align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be working closely with children and professionals, being able to express yourself clearly is key. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for child-centred care! During interviews, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your empathy and commitment to helping children achieve positive outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Beechside Short Break Service.
We think you need these skills to ace Children's Home Carer - Beechside Short Break Service - Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
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 in crafting your personal statement and help us see how you fit the role.
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 job requirements. Be specific and provide examples that showcase your ability to work with children and meet their individual needs.
Showcase Your Written Skills:Since strong written skills are essential for this role, make sure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. This not only reflects your attention to detail but also your ability to communicate effectively in writing.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with disabilities and how a child-centred approach works in practice. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy and Patience
During the interview, be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated warmth, empathy, and patience. Think of situations where you successfully built relationships with children or managed challenging behaviours. This will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly and Professionally
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and professionally. You’ll need to communicate effectively with children, families, and colleagues, so demonstrating this skill in your interview is crucial. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to refine your communication style.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle pressure. Think about how you would respond to various situations involving children with complex needs. This preparation will help you feel more confident and ready to tackle any curveballs during the interview.
