Are you passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people? Do you thrive in a supportive and dynamic team environment?

Portsmouth City Council has an exciting opportunity for you to join our Tailored Localised Care Team as a Support Worker. This is a highly urgent role, and we encourage qualified candidates available immediately to apply without delay!

• Position: Support Worker, Residential Support Worker, Specialist Support Worker
• Shift: Day shift or night shift rotations available
• Salary: Days - £18.00 p/h, Waking Night - £20.00 p/h, Sleep in - £13.69 p/h (PAYE rates)
• Location: Portsmouth

• Competitive PAYE rates ensuring you are well-compensated for your dedication.
• The opportunity to work within a dedicated and supportive Tailored Localised Care Team, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Gain valuable experience supporting young people with complex needs, including severe mental health, challenging behaviours, learning disabilities, offending behaviours, and DOLs Orders.
• A chance to develop your skills in independent living support, community engagement, and professional collaboration.
• The deeply rewarding experience of making a significant positive impact on a child's or young person's journey towards independence and well-being.

• Provide essential 24/7 care and support to vulnerable children and young people within a rented accommodation setting.
• Engage young people in activities that promote independent living skills and community involvement.
• Support young people in attending appointments and meeting with other social care professionals.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, especially during times of heightened behaviours, to de-escalate situations and ensure safety.
• Utilize de-escalation techniques effectively to maintain a safe environment for children and young people.
• Make informed decisions and take appropriate action in challenging situations.
• Maintain detailed and accurate daily records and incident reports.
• Employ creativity and build trust when engaging with children and young people.

• Minimum of 1 year of experience supporting children and young people in a residential setting.
• Demonstrated confidence and experience in de-escalating situations involving aggression, self-harm, or destructive behaviours.
• Proven ability to make sound decisions and act effectively in challenging circumstances.
• Understanding of detailed and accurate daily record keeping and incident reporting.
• Creativity in engaging and building trust with children and young people.
• Calmness during crisis situations.
• A strong understanding of how trauma, previous experiences, and diagnoses can impact daily behaviours.
• A non-judgmental attitude, maintaining an open mind and refraining from criticism.
• Resilience to provide support through stressful situations and persistently try new engagement methods.
• Observant nature with heightened awareness, able to share insights through reports and professional meetings.

• A valid Right to Work in the UK (we are unable to offer sponsorships)
• An Enhanced child and adult DBS registered on the update service
• A valid CSTF Mandatory Practical Training Certificate​ (completed within the last 12 months)
• PMVA Full course Training Certificate BILD Certified
• Employment references covering the last 3 years

• Competitive Pay Rates: Earn what you deserve with our market-leading wages
• Flexible Working: Choose from flexible working patterns to suit your lifestyle
• Dedicated Support: You'll have one specialist point of contact for a seamless experience
• Mobile App: Easily manage your shifts and availability on our app
• Free Training: Access to free accredited training to support your professional development
• Referral Bonus: Earn a fantastic £300 for referring friends!

Portsmouth City Council is committed to providing exceptional care and support to the children and young people within our community. Our Tailored Localised Care Team operates with a holistic approach, ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive the safety, stability, and specialized support they need to thrive. If you are a resilient, compassionate, and experienced individual ready to make a real difference, we encourage you to apply for this urgent Support Worker position and join our dedicated team.

Ready to take the next exciting step in your career in Portsmouth? Apply today

If you'd like to find out more about Agency Shifts, Please email Sumaira Khan in the Randstad Care team at

Randstad Care acts as an employment business when supplying temporary staff and as an employment agency when introducing candidates for permanent employment with a client. Randstad Care is an equal opportunities employer and decisions are made on merits alone.

Did you know that Randstad Care have been awarded a place on the National Clinical Staffing Framework for the NHS? This means we will be able to bring you more opportunities within nursing & midwifery and clinical staffing.