At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide a loving home for children moving from residential care to foster families.
- Company: Oldham Council, dedicated to supporting vulnerable young people.
- Benefits: Earn £78,000 annually with tailored support and training.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and help shape futures!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life while receiving comprehensive support.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or adolescents; resilience and empathy are key.
The predicted salary is between 78000 - 78000 € per year.
Join the Fostering Family in Oldham. We need foster carers to join our exciting new scheme Stepping Forward to Foster Care. In Oldham, there are some amazing young people currently living in residential homes. But what they really need is a foster family to care for them and help them thrive and that's where you could step in.
What support is available?
Becoming a Stepping Forward carer is a very rewarding experience. You will be helping a child or young person move from a residential home into a safe and loving foster family. We understand that this role can be challenging. That’s why all our carers receive extra financial support and a tailored support package. This is designed to give you the best possible chance of success. We want all our foster carers to feel prepared, supported and confident.
Stepping Forward carers will receive:
- An enhanced financial package with an annual combined skill and allowance fee of £78,000 whilst the child or young person remains in placement. This includes holiday, festival, and birthday allowances.
- A bespoke training and support package to help develop your skills.
- Ongoing therapeutic support from the fostering service and regular consultations with a clinical psychologist.
- Educational support from the Virtual School.
Stepping Forward to Foster Care is very much a team approach and we will be with you every step of the way. You will have access to senior managers, as well as your own supervising social worker who will be there to offer ongoing support.
Could I be a Stepping Forward carer?
The children and young people needing a Stepping Forward foster family tend to be aged 9 upwards and from different backgrounds, so we need a range of carers for these children and young people. Before making a placement, we aim to match carers with children and young people who we feel are best suited and are able to meet their needs.
Becoming a Stepping Forward carer is a full-time role. It is open to both experienced foster carers and new foster carers who have the right skills, qualities and experiences to help children and young people move from a residential care into a family home. Ideally, you will be able to demonstrate experience of working with children and adolescents with complex backgrounds and have a strong support network. Being able to work as part of a team will also be essential.
Previous experience in fostering, staying put or working in relevant professions such as education, health, youth service, probation or police would be beneficial. We encourage people with experience in the following areas to apply:
- Experienced foster carers
- Teachers or teaching assistants
- Residential support workers
- Youth workers
- Police officers
- Probation workers
- Anyone who works with children or young people
Skills needed include resilience, understanding therapeutic parenting and trauma, empathy, openness and patience. You will also need a spare bedroom and have the time and flexibility to care for these children and young people. All types of people make great Stepping Forward carers, so please don’t rule yourself out.
How do I apply?
If you are interested in our Stepping Forward to Foster Care Scheme, we would love to hear from you. Please email fosteringoldham.gov.uk with your name and mobile number and a member of our fostering team will be in touch. More information is available at www.oldham.gov.uk/fostering.
Stepping Forward Foster Carer employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
Oldham Council is an exceptional employer, offering a fulfilling opportunity to become a Stepping Forward Foster Carer in a supportive and collaborative environment. With an impressive annual financial package of £78,000, tailored training, and ongoing therapeutic support, you will be equipped to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people. Our commitment to fostering a strong team approach ensures that you will never feel alone in your journey, with access to senior managers and dedicated social workers at every step.
Contact Detail:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Stepping Forward Foster Carer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the fostering community! Attend local events or workshops related to fostering. This will not only help you understand the role better but also connect you with other potential foster carers and professionals who can share their experiences.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive in reaching out! Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Contact the fostering team directly through our website or email to express your interest and ask any questions you might have about the Stepping Forward scheme.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! When you get the chance to chat with the fostering team, highlight your relevant experience and qualities that make you a great fit for fostering. Whether it’s your background in education or your empathy and patience, let us know why you’d be an amazing carer.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay flexible and open-minded! The journey to becoming a foster carer can be unique for everyone. Be prepared to adapt and learn as you go, and remember, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Stepping Forward Foster Carer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you passionate about fostering.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any experience you have working with children or young people. Whether it's from previous fostering, teaching, or youth work, we want to see how your background can help you in this role.
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to read through the job description and match your skills and experiences to what we're looking for. This shows us that you understand the role and are genuinely interested in becoming a Stepping Forward carer.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s super easy, and you’ll find all the information you need to get started on your journey to becoming a foster carer!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Stepping Forward Foster Carer. Familiarise yourself with the challenges and rewards of fostering, especially for children aged 9 and upwards. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to making a difference.
✨Share Your Experiences
Be ready to discuss any relevant experiences you have working with children or young people. Whether it's from teaching, youth work, or even personal experiences, sharing specific examples will help demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Show Your Support Network
Highlight the support network you have in place. The role can be demanding, so mentioning family, friends, or community resources that can assist you will reassure the interviewers that you’re prepared for the challenges ahead.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the training and support packages available, or how the team collaborates to ensure the best outcomes for the children. This shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
