Job Introduction
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.
In this rewarding role, you’ll provide day-to-day care and support for up to three children with complex needs—helping them grow, develop, and achieve positive outcomes.
You’ll work as part of a supportive team, making a real difference in the lives of young people through consistent, high-quality care.
The Role
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 professional, 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. For example, this includes reading, courses, E learning, presentations, legislation, policy and guidance and be able to effectively engage and build relationships with children. 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.
You will have A Diploma at Level 3 would be an advantage or a willingness to work towards it is essential and a verifiable pass is in English and Maths. You will also have good written / IT skills in order to write contact sheets and reports. You have the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
Please ensure that you read the full job profile attached for the details and expectations of this role, paying particular attention the section 'Who is the person' as you will need to refer to this when completing your Personal statement.
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. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours.
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.
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.
Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.
