Residential Social Services Officer

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 child care. You will work alongside other professionals to provide a consistent team approach to manage care and risk. You will attend meetings, carry out administrative tasks, and make sound judgements concerning safeguarding and general safety and wellbeing.

You take a proactive role in keeping your own learning & development up to date. You can engage and build relationships effectively with children and understand the issues and pressures affecting children today. You have excellent communication and listening skills, good written and IT skills, and can converse in accurate spoken English. You are flexible and responsive to the unique needs of each child, and can use your initiative and make decisions around the needs of children. You have level 2 (GCSE or equivalent) in English and Maths, and either have or are willing to work towards a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare or a related subject. You have a driving licence.

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. It is also committed to promoting quality childcare across the city that works to improve outcomes for children. 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. Why come to live and work in Portsmouth? Portsmouth is a great waterfront city and a vibrant place to live and work. It is an island city with an "inner city" feel, a seaside location packed with attractions and events, and the advantage of fantastic countryside on its doorstep. With fast road and rail links to London, Brighton and major airports, and ferry links to Europe, it is the perfect place to live and work. Portsmouth has a strong history of partnership working and has successfully integrated several local services. The Service: We care for children between the ages of 8-18 with a range of complex needs. Our homes are committed to being the very best they can. We need you to join our established motivated team, if you feel you can promote positive change and great outcomes for children. In return we offer high quality training opportunities and ongoing support in the role., We really appreciate our employees and fully realise they are essential to our success and look to offer an inclusive, supportive working environment where employees can reach their potentials with a healthy work life balance, offering the following rewards:

• Generous annual leave (27 days per year rising to 31, pro rata for part time hours) with the potential to purchase additional leave.
• A fantastic pension which allows you the opportunity to pay in more for that greater return.
• Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities including apprenticeships.
• Extensive wellbeing support through the Employee Assistance Programme
• Discount on travel, travel loans and the bike loan scheme
• Discounts on a wide range of goods and services - access a range of discounts and offers from thousands of restaurants, shops and more.
Staff rewards: https://careers.portsmouth.gov.uk/working-for-the-council