Job Introduction
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.
Job introduction
We are looking for a Childrens Home Carer to join our team at Beechside Short Break Services to support the young people to ensure they are safe and monitored whilst in our care overnight. This is a part time role, 20 hours per week on a shift rotation basis.
Your new role
The waking night staff member plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of children and young people overnight. Responsibilities include settling children to bed, supporting their needs, monitoring the premises, administering medication in line with policies, and maintaining communication with families and agencies. Staff must also keep accurate records, complete handovers, and perform domestic tasks as needed. While primarily based at a designated home, flexibility to work across various locations in Portsmouth is required. The ideal candidate will be committed, caring, communicative, and capable of managing their workload independently.
Who is the person summary:
The ideal candidate should hold or be willing to work towards an NVQ Level 3 in childcare, with experience in residential children's settings. They must be skilled in interpreting behaviour, planning and assessment, and have strong communication abilities for liaising with various stakeholders. The role requires competence in record-keeping and report writing, managing challenging situations calmly, and understanding the pressures young people face. Flexibility, responsiveness to individual needs, and a commitment to basic care tasks are essential, along with a solid grasp of safeguarding, equal opportunities, and diversity. Willingness to engage in supervision and ongoing training is also important.
For full details, please review 'who is the person' on the job profile below attached.
Our recruitment process
Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page: Support for applicants - Careers portal
You must demonstrate why you are suitable 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, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.
Please note we reserve the right to close the advert early if we have a successful applicant.
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal
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.
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career's portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at 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.
