At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide care and support to children with complex needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Beechside Short Break Service, dedicated to improving children's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, shift allowance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to supporting children's development and well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: QCF Level 3 Diploma in residential childcare or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 28239 - 32061 £ 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.
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 work alongside 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.
The ideal candidate will need relevant qualifications and experience in residential childcare, along with a strong understanding of safeguarding and the needs of children, including those with disabilities. The role requires excellent communication and relationship‑building skills, the ability to work under pressure, make sound decisions, and support children’s development. You should be adaptable, proactive in your own development, and capable of working both independently and as part of a team, with strong written and verbal skills. This will include:
- Holding a QCF Level 3 Diploma in residential childcare or equivalent qualification.
- Professional experience of working in a residential children’s setting.
- Aware of the needs of children with learning and physical disabilities.
- Sound experience of key working.
- Ability to work under pressure and make decisions to safeguard children, the service and staff.
- Knowledge of how to safeguard and support children in a short breaks service.
- Ability to form warm and positive relationships with children to support their development and positive experiences.
- Ability to actively support children and encourage children to grow and flourish to their full potential.
- Excellent communication skills, as you will be required to liaise with other agencies, parents, colleagues, and children.
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it. We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position. 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. You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years – this is essential for all safeguarding roles.
Senior Children's Home Carer - Beechside Short Break Service employer: Portsmouth City Council
At Beechside Short Break Service, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to the well-being and development of both our staff and the children we care for. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and professional growth, offering ongoing training and opportunities to enhance your skills in a rewarding environment. Located in Drayton, you will be part of a compassionate team that makes a meaningful impact on the lives of young people with complex needs, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care and support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Children's Home Carer - Beechside Short Break Service
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Beechside Short Break Service and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨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 understanding the environment you'll be working in.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario-based questions! Think about how you'd handle specific situations with children who have complex needs. Practising these responses will help you feel more confident and ready to impress during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Beechside.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Children's Home Carer - Beechside Short Break Service
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for working with children shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to child development and support.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Children's Home Carer. Highlight your qualifications, experience in residential childcare, and any specific skills that relate to supporting children with disabilities. We love seeing how your background fits our needs!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your written application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate when applicants communicate effectively, as this reflects the strong communication skills we’re looking for in this role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Beechside Short Break Service. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the key responsibilities of a Senior Children's Home Carer. Brush up on relevant legislation, policies, and procedures related to residential childcare. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also understand the complexities involved.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience in residential childcare, especially with children who have learning or physical disabilities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate how you’ve made a positive impact.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with the interviewer. Use warm, friendly body language and be genuinely interested in the conversation. Remember, this role is all about forming positive relationships with children, so showing your interpersonal skills is key!
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the team dynamics, the specific needs of the children you’ll be working with, or how success is measured in the role. It shows you’re engaged and thinking critically about how you can contribute.
