At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide care and support to children with complex needs in a residential setting.
- 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 supportive team and enjoy a fulfilling career in social care.
- 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. Within the role you will also be required to attend meetings with young people or represent the team as appropriate.
The ideal candidate
- You 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.
Requirements
- 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 Residential Childcare Practitioner 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 young people in our care. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and professional growth, offering ongoing training and opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children with complex needs. Located in Drayton, we provide a nurturing environment where employees can thrive while contributing to a vital service that enhances the futures of vulnerable young individuals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social care sector, especially those who work with children. They might know about openings or can give you a heads-up on what the hiring managers are really looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to childcare and safeguarding. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to get comfortable discussing your experience and how it relates to the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for working with children during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've built positive relationships and supported children's development in your previous roles. This will help you stand out!
✨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, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in residential childcare. We want to see how your skills align with the needs of our young people, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant qualifications and experiences!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key in this role, use your written application to demonstrate your ability to convey ideas clearly. We love seeing examples of how you've built positive relationships in the past, so share those stories!
Be Honest About Your Experience:If you have any gaps in your career history, be upfront about them. We appreciate transparency, especially in safeguarding roles. Just explain what you were up to during that time, and we’ll respect your honesty.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands, and 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 Residential Childcare Practitioner. 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 demonstrate your ability to build positive relationships with children and manage complex needs. Think about times when you’ve successfully supported a child’s development or navigated challenging situations. Real-life stories can make a big impact!
✨Communicate Clearly
Since excellent communication skills are crucial for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend to get comfortable discussing your experiences and how they relate to the job.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, the specific challenges faced by the service, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the position is the right fit for you.
