At a Glance
- Tasks: Support management and develop fostering services for children and young people.
- Company: Kindercare Fostering, a leading non-profit fostering agency in the UK.
- Benefits: Up to 42 days annual leave, life assurance, pension scheme, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Enjoy a 4-day work week after probation and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Social Work Registration and experience in child services required.
The predicted salary is between 45100 - 49000 € per year.
Location: Belfast
Contract Type: Permanent - Full Time
Hours: 37.5, Monday - Friday
Salary: £45,100 - £49,000 dependent on experience (+£3,000 car allowance)
About Kindercare Fostering
Kindercare is a local, non-profit making Fostering Agency. We are part of the National Fostering Group, the largest Independent Fostering Agency in the UK. With over 20 years experience, National Fostering Group is the largest independent children's fostering group in the UK with a community of over 2,500 foster carers. In Northern Ireland, we work with Local Health and Social Care Trusts to provide the highest quality of care for children and young people.
About the Role
This is an amazing opportunity to join Kindercare Fostering as an Advanced Practitioner. Advanced Practitioners are responsible for supporting the Registered Manager in the overall management of the region and be an active member of the regional management team in order to develop practice and growth of the fostering service, ensuring a ready supply of safe, caring foster placements that offer protection to a wide range of children and young people. Advanced practitioners will manage staff to lead projects and develop the service. They will supervise a small number of foster carers as required and support foster carers with children who have more complex needs.
Who we are looking for
You will need to have Social Work Registration and possess a good working knowledge of relevant legislation and their impact on fostering services. Participation in an evening and weekend on call rota is expected and is reflected in the salary. You will be keen to develop your management skills and take a leadership role in specific areas and projects. You will be a strong communicator, both written and verbal, have good IT skills and be flexible and able to travel throughout the area.
Essential Criteria
- Car driver and access to a vehicle
- Current registration with the relevant Social Work regulatory council (e.g. Social Work England/Wales, NISCC, SSSC)
- Recent experience in services for children
But what else is in it for you?
Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you'll get an exceptional reward package including:
- Up to 42 days annual leave each year (26 base entitlement + 1 One moment in time + 8 bank holidays + ability to buy up to 5 extra days)
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
- Your Wellbeing Matters access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
- A market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that's right for you, including:
- A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
- 100s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
- Cycle to Work Schemes
- Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all employees to share this commitment and undertake appropriate checks. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Advanced Practitioner TLNT1_NI in Belfast employer: IrishJobs
Kindercare Fostering is an exceptional employer, recognised as a Great Place to Work 2025, where 83% of employees feel valued and supported. Located in Belfast, we offer a unique work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing with benefits like a 4-day working week, extensive annual leave, and a comprehensive flexible benefits platform. Join us to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people while enjoying opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Practitioner TLNT1_NI in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fostering and social work sectors. Attend local events or online webinars to meet people who might know about job openings at Kindercare or similar organisations.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Kindercare Fostering, understand their values, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Practise common interview questions and be ready to showcase your leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for fostering! When you get the chance to speak with hiring managers, share your experiences and why you care about making a difference in children's lives. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Kindercare team and contributing to their amazing work.
We think you need these skills to ace Advanced Practitioner TLNT1_NI in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Advanced Practitioner role. Highlight your relevant experience in social work and any leadership roles you've held, as this will show us you're a great fit for the team.
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your strong communication skills shine through in your written application. Use clear, concise language and provide examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles, especially in challenging situations.
Be Authentic:Let your personality come through in your application! We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for fostering and how you can contribute to our mission at Kindercare Fostering.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role as quickly as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at IrishJobs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on relevant legislation and the impact it has on fostering services. Being well-versed in these areas will show that you're serious about the role and understand the complexities involved.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Advanced Practitioner, you'll be expected to take on a leadership role. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed projects or led teams in the past. This will demonstrate your capability to support the Registered Manager effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. You might even want to prepare a few questions to ask during the interview to show your engagement.
✨Be Flexible and Ready to Travel
Since the job requires travel throughout the area, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt. Highlight any previous experiences where flexibility was crucial, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
