At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide compassionate care and support to children with complex needs in a residential setting.
- Company: Join Portsmouth City Council, dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, valuable experience, and the chance to make a real difference in children's lives.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and development in a rewarding environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team and help shape brighter futures for vulnerable children.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Diploma preferred; strong communication and listening skills essential.
The predicted salary is between 11.7 - 14.3 £ per hour.
We are looking for compassionate and dedicated Children’s Home Carers to join our team at White House Children’s Home on a casual basis, working hours as and when required. You will be responsible for the day-to-day interaction and care of up to three children with a range of complex needs. You will work alongside children by helping them to achieve their specific individual needs and improving their future outcomes. You will apply relevant legislation, policies, procedures and guidance relating to residential childcare.
You will work alongside other professionals, for example schools and therapists, to provide a consistent team approach to manage care & risk. You will attend meetings with children or represent the team at meetings. You will input information into the client database and carry out other related administrative tasks. With support from a senior staff member (sometimes on call not physically present), you will make sound judgements in the moment concerning safeguarding and general safety and wellbeing. These decisions must be within policy and practice and justifiable, demonstrating high standards of care. You will attend and contribute towards team meetings.
The ideal candidate
- You will take a proactive role in keeping your own learning & development up to date, including reading, courses, E-learning, presentations, legislation, policy and guidance.
- You should be able to effectively engage and build relationships with children and have an understanding of the issues and pressures affecting children today.
- You will have good listening skills and be able to remain calm and focussed when working under pressure.
- Be flexible and responsive to the unique needs of each child.
- Have excellent communication skills as you will be required to liaise with other agencies, parents, colleagues and children.
- A Diploma at Level 3 would be an advantage or a willingness to work towards it is essential, along with a verifiable pass in English and Maths.
- You will also have good written/IT skills in order to write contact sheets and reports.
- The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
- You will need to hold a full driving licence.
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‑focussed.
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. We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position.
Safeguarding
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. You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years - this is essential for all safeguarding roles.
Casual Children's Home Carer - The White House Milton in Sunderland employer: Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive work culture that prioritises respect, integrity, and collaboration. As a SEN Team Leader, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with special educational needs, while benefiting from professional development opportunities and a supportive team environment. Located in the vibrant city of Portsmouth, this role offers a unique chance to contribute to strategic SEND developments and be part of a forward-thinking organisation committed to service improvement and community well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Children's Home Carer - The White House Milton in Sunderland
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
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Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
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Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Portsmouth City Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Casual Children's Home Carer - The White House Milton in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Portsmouth City Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Portsmouth City Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Portsmouth City Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Casual Children's Home Carer - The White House Milton role at Portsmouth City Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Portsmouth City Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
