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- Tasks: Support and mentor foster families, host social events, and provide peer support.
- Company: Join The Fostering Network, the UK's leading fostering charity.
- Benefits: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of a supportive community and empower families in need.
- Qualifications: Experienced foster carer with strong leadership and mentoring skills.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Looking for a new fostering challenge? Become a Mockingbird hub home carer. We are looking for experienced foster carers to support other fostering families as part of the Mockingbird programme. As a hub home carer, you will provide peer support to other foster carers, sleepovers, and group social activities. We are looking for a hub home carer for an existing constellation within Gateshead. Do you have two spare beds available?
About The Mockingbird Programme
The Mockingbird programme is an alternative method of delivering foster care which centres on the idea of an extended family network of support. It empowers families to support each other and overcome problems before they escalate, and offers children a more positive experience of care. The programme uses the concept of a constellation, where six to ten satellite families are connected to a dedicated hub home which provides peer support, planned and emergency sleepovers and regular social activities.
Being a Mockingbird hub home carer
Hub home carers are crucial to the success of the Mockingbird programme and each individual constellation. Hub home carers act as the glue that unites the satellite families in each constellation together into a community. It is a full-time job for experienced foster carers who have completed their preparation training, post-approval induction period and the national Training Support and Development Standards.
As a Hub Home Carer, You Will
- have two empty beds for planned and emergency sleepovers for children and young people living in the constellation
- support and mentor satellite families
- plan and host regular social events for all the families in the constellation (at least once per month)
- attend and coordinate training and support groups for carers in the constellation
Hub home carers will be confident, energetic, resourceful and experienced in managing conflict. They must also be empathetic and willing to coach others. They will take on a leadership role and have strong support networks of their own.
Apply
To find out more about the Mockingbird programme and the role of a hub home carer, please contact Mockingbird liaison worker Erin Powell / 07934356396 or Fostering Assistant Team Manager Justine Anderson: / 07703380776. Please submit an expression of interest to Erin Powell by 8 February 2026. In your expression of interest please submit 400-500 words explaining why you feel you would be an excellent hub home carer. Interviews will take place on 13 February 2026.
Mockingbird Hub Home Carer in Gateshead employer: Gateshead Council
Contact Detail:
Gateshead Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mockingbird Hub Home Carer in Gateshead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Mockingbird programme inside out! Familiarise yourself with its values and how it supports foster families. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show them you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current hub home carers or fostering professionals on social media. They can provide insights and tips that could give you an edge during your interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about your experiences as a foster carer and how they relate to the role. Practising your answers will help you feel more confident when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Mockingbird Hub Home Carer in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your expression of interest, 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.
Stick to the Word Count: Make sure you keep your expression of interest between 400-500 words. We appreciate concise and focused applications, so get straight to the point while still covering all the important bits!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Show us why you’re the perfect fit for the hub home carer role by detailing your relevant experience. Whether it’s fostering, mentoring, or community work, we want to see how your background aligns with the Mockingbird programme.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your expression of interest and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gateshead Council
✨Know the Mockingbird Programme Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand the Mockingbird programme thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with its goals, structure, and how it supports foster families. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences as a foster carer that highlight your skills in mentoring, conflict management, and community building. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Leadership
As a hub home carer, you'll need to be both empathetic and a strong leader. Think of scenarios where you've had to coach others or lead a group. Be ready to discuss how you can support and unite satellite families within the constellation.
✨Plan Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the challenges faced by hub home carers. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.
