At a Glance
- Tasks: Support fostering families during school holidays by engaging young people in community activities.
- Company: Join Blue Sky Fostering, a company dedicated to creating inclusive and supportive environments for children.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, full training provided, and the chance to make a real difference in young lives.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while promoting independence and confidence in young people.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a caring attitude and willingness to learn.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our mission; everyone is welcome to apply.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable, the skills, qualifications, and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job reference: REQ00487 | Date posted: 19/05/2025 | Location: West Country | Salary: Not specified | Contract: Sessional | Job category/type: Not specified
Hours: 8 hours per week, during school holidays only (2 x 4-hour sessions to be arranged flexibly)
Blue Sky Fostering is seeking a Casual Support Worker in the Taunton/Somerset area. Please note: this role is during school holidays only, and the successful candidate will work 8 hours per week over two 4-hour sessions during school holidays.
Main Purpose of the Role:
- Provide hands-on support to help a fostering family access local community attractions, services, and events.
- Work alongside foster carers to meet the physical, emotional, and developmental needs of two young people.
- Promote independence, build confidence, and support children in engaging in activities they enjoy.
- Support individual care and health plans in a person-centred, dignified, and respectful manner.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with community outings and recreational activities.
- Build trusting relationships that encourage engagement, confidence, and self-esteem.
- Support with moving and handling tasks, including hoisting and transferring (training provided).
- Promote independence during mealtimes using aids and adaptive technologies.
- Facilitate communication using adaptive technology to help young people express their wishes and feelings.
- Deliver sensory therapy under the direction of foster carers and therapy plans (training provided).
- Provide respectful personal care when required and once trained.
- Monitor and support health needs, including epilepsy training and administering emergency rescue medication when necessary.
What Weβre Looking For:
- A caring, patient, and committed individual who enjoys working with children and young people.
- Experience in care or support work is advantageous but not essential β full training will be provided.
- Willingness to learn new skills including moving and handling, personal care, and health training.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work well as part of a team.
- A commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the role.
- A willingness to assist with personal care following training would be beneficial but not essential.
Everyone is welcome. Diversity and inclusion are principles guiding how we build our teams. Blue Sky Fostering strives to create an inclusive culture where all forms of diversity are valued and celebrated. We aim for a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and work in, ensuring no applicant or employee is treated unfairly based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, or identity. We recognize and value individual differences and contributions of all employees, believing that working together can achieve equality for all.
Casual Support Worker (Sessional) employer: Olive Branch Fostering
Contact Detail:
Olive Branch Fostering Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Casual Support Worker (Sessional)
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local community attractions and services in the Taunton/Somerset area. This knowledge will not only help you connect with the fostering family but also demonstrate your commitment to supporting their needs during outings.
β¨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have working with children or young people, even if it's informal. Sharing personal stories or examples of how you've engaged with kids can make a strong impression during any discussions.
β¨Tip Number 3
Show your willingness to learn by researching the specific training topics mentioned in the job description, such as moving and handling or sensory therapy. Being knowledgeable about these areas will reflect your proactive attitude and readiness for the role.
β¨Tip Number 4
Emphasise your communication skills and teamwork abilities. Be prepared to discuss how you can build trusting relationships with both the foster carers and the young people, as this is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Casual Support Worker (Sessional)
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Casual Support Worker position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Even if you don't have direct experience in care or support work, think about any relevant experiences you may have had. This could include volunteering, working with children, or any roles that demonstrate your caring nature and ability to work as part of a team.
Show Your Commitment to Diversity: Since Blue Sky Fostering values diversity and inclusion, make sure to express your commitment to these principles in your application. Share any experiences or perspectives that demonstrate your understanding and support for equality and inclusion.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a strong personal statement that reflects your passion for working with children and young people. Discuss your willingness to learn new skills and your approach to building trusting relationships, which are key aspects of the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Olive Branch Fostering
β¨Show Your Passion for Working with Children
Make sure to express your genuine interest in supporting children and young people during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or anecdotes that highlight your commitment to making a positive impact in their lives.
β¨Demonstrate Your Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working alongside foster carers, it's essential to showcase your ability to collaborate effectively. Prepare examples of past experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team to achieve a common goal.
β¨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
The job requires a commitment to learning new skills, so be ready to discuss your eagerness to undergo training. Mention any previous instances where you quickly adapted to new responsibilities or acquired new skills.
β¨Emphasise Your Communication Skills
Strong communication is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you would facilitate communication with the young people youβll be supporting, especially using adaptive technologies. Provide examples of how you've effectively communicated in challenging situations.