Job Introduction
The Service
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 aim of our service is to support children, providing them with a home away from home where they can develop confidence and flourish.
The Role
If you have experience as a Residential Social Services Officer (or similar role) and are looking to gain your first experience in a management/supervising position, this could be the opportunity you are looking for. You will be given training and support as you develop your skills in leading and supervising a team. You will supervise staff, monitor risk assessments and monthly summaries, undertake medication audits and write policies and procedures.
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 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 child care.
What our team say:
"Working with children with additional needs can be incredibly rewarding. I can positively impact a child's life by helping them overcome challenges and reach their full potential… The Beechside team listen to one another and express ideas openly. There's transparency in expectations, feedback, and problem solving. Everyone values each other's strengths and contributions. Team members feel comfortable sharing ideas and concerns without fear or judgement." Ellie, Deputy Manager.
"I enjoy working at Beechside, what I like is being with children and helping them make good memories, supporting them having fun and giving them the chance to have sleep overs with their friends. We have good training here on all aspects, this is provided by PCC. I enjoy working with all the children to help them have a nice time at Beechside." Julie, Senior Residential Social Services Officer.
"Working with children is more than just a job, it's our chance to make a real difference in their lives. It gives us the satisfaction of being involved in a child's intellectual, social and emotional development. Promoting the independence and listening to the children voice is our team focus while they attend Beechside. We all work hard to meet the relevant standards of practice according to their individual Care plans." Camelia, Senior Residential Social Services Officer.
The ideal candidate
You will need to have/be
- A QCF Level 3 Diploma in residential childcare or equivalent qualification.
- Professional experience of working in a residential children's setting.
- Awareness of the needs of children with learning and physical disabilities.
- Sound experience of key working.
- The 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.
- The ability to form warm and positive relationships with children to support their development and positive experiences.
- The 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.
Please see the Job profile for the full details of this role
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
Sam Stokes, Registered Manager, sam.stokes@portsmouthcc.gov.uk, 023 92 688 039
Interview date: Interviews will be held 16th, 17th and 18th June.
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
Please note we reserve the right to close the advert early if we have a successful applicant.
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.
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.
Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our careers portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council
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.
DBS Disclosure at Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures.
