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- Tasks: Support and care for children with complex behaviours in a nurturing home environment.
- Company: Join Stockport Council's fostering service, dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy a tax-free salary, generous allowances, and four weeks annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while developing your skills and gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed, just a caring attitude and commitment to training.
- Other info: Flexible hours; perfect for those with other commitments or children aged 5+.
The predicted salary is between 43600 - 51400 £ per year.
Stockport Council’s fostering service is recruiting for specialist carers who live within travelling distance of Stockport. Working with our local children in Stockport, our specialist foster carers offer supportive fostering homes to children and young people who display challenging and complex behaviours and would otherwise be placed in a residential setting.
The type of children and young people are typically teenagers but there is no lower age limit. Most children feel comfortable being the only child in the home but some children can be placed alongside other children including birth children which enables positive role modelling and positive peer relationships. All children and young people are carefully matched with the foster carer and their fostering home.
Specialist foster carers can have other caring commitments or children of their own at home. If you have children of your own we recommend they must be aged at least 5 years old. Our specialist foster carers enjoy the company of children and young people, have a sense of humour and the ability to see the positives wherever possible. They have a good understanding of the experiences the children and young people who require specialist fostering care have experienced, and the reasons why children and young people are not able to remain living with their birth families.
Due to the complex needs of the children and young people at least one of the Specialist Foster Carers (if a couple) will be required to be available on a full time basis. It is desirable for you to live in the Stockport area, however this is not essential as long as you live close enough to Stockport to enable you to transport the child or young person to and from school and contact and for you to attend trainings and meetings in Stockport.
Our specialist foster carers need to demonstrate a level of commitment and are flexible and committed to training and development, being available for regular supervision sessions and attending regular group supervisions in Stockport. To deliver this specialist care, we recognise that some carers may only want to commit to the task of fostering for a couple of years. However, it is essential that carers commit to the child and young person in their care for the duration of the time in care.
Specialist carers receive a professional tax free salary of £43,600 - £51,400 (tax free) per annum plus generous allowances and four weeks annual leave per year.
If you would like to find out more about the role and how to enquire about being a foster carer with Stockport Council then please email [emailprotected] or call 0161 474 3400. No need to send a CV as we will discuss this career opportunity with you during an informal discussion with our qualified social workers. The successful applicant’s appointment will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment clearances including a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
For more information, please visit https://www.stockport.gov.uk/specialist-fostering
Specialist Foster Carers employer: Stockport Council
Contact Detail:
Stockport Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Foster Carers
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children and young people who require specialist fostering. Understanding their backgrounds and behaviours will help you demonstrate your suitability for the role during discussions with social workers.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with local fostering communities or support groups in Stockport. Networking with current foster carers can provide valuable insights and experiences that you can share during your informal discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your availability and flexibility regarding training and supervision sessions. Highlighting your commitment to ongoing development will show that you are serious about providing the best care possible.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider your own family dynamics and how they align with the requirements of fostering. Being able to articulate how your home environment can positively impact a child’s experience will strengthen your case during discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Foster Carers
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Specialist Foster Carer. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children and young people who require this type of care.
Prepare for Informal Discussion: Since there’s no need to send a CV, focus on preparing for the informal discussion with qualified social workers. Think about your experiences, motivations for fostering, and how you can meet the needs of the children in your care.
Showcase Your Skills: During your discussion, highlight your skills and qualities that make you a suitable candidate. Emphasise your sense of humour, flexibility, and commitment to training and development, as these are crucial for the role.
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask questions during your discussion. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gain a better understanding of what is expected from you as a Specialist Foster Carer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stockport Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what being a specialist foster carer entails. Familiarise yourself with the challenges and complexities of fostering children with difficult behaviours, as well as the importance of providing a supportive home environment.
✨Show Your Commitment
Demonstrate your commitment to the role during the interview. Discuss any previous experiences that showcase your dedication to caring for children, especially those with complex needs. Highlight your willingness to engage in training and development opportunities.
✨Emphasise Flexibility
Since the role requires flexibility, be prepared to discuss how you can adapt to the varying needs of the children in your care. Share examples of how you've successfully managed multiple responsibilities or adjusted your schedule to accommodate others.
✨Communicate Your Understanding
Express your understanding of the reasons why children may not be able to live with their birth families. This shows empathy and insight into the emotional and psychological aspects of fostering, which is crucial for building trust with the children you'll care for.
