At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the management of fostering services and lead projects for children's care.
- Company: Join Kindercare Fostering, a top-rated non-profit fostering agency.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, and up to 42 days annual leave.
- Other info: Experience a 4-day work week after probation for better work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must have Social Work Registration and experience in child services.
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. All of our fostering agencies across the UK are officially recognised by Ofsted, Welsh and Scottish regulators as either Outstanding or Good.
We also offer a 4 day working week - this means 80% of the hours for 100% pay! This will be given following a successful 6 month probationary period and is a performance based benefit.
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).
Advanced Practitioner JBLE1_NI in Belfast employer: Kindercare Fostering Northern Ireland
At Kindercare Fostering, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and rewarding employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people in Belfast. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our exceptional benefits package, including a 4-day working week after probation, generous annual leave, and a collaborative work culture that fosters professional growth and development. Join us and be part of a team that has been recognised as a Great Place to Work, where your contributions truly matter.
Contact Detail:
Kindercare Fostering Northern Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Practitioner JBLE1_NI in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fostering sector or related fields. Attend local events or online webinars to meet people who might know about job openings. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Kindercare Fostering and understanding their values. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission. We want to see your passion for fostering and how you can contribute to their amazing team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable talking about your experiences and how they relate to the role of Advanced Practitioner. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel 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 seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Advanced Practitioner JBLE1_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 how it aligns with Kindercare's mission. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your communication and IT skills in your application. These are key for the role, so give us examples of how you've used them effectively in past positions. We love a good story!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your written application. We’re looking for someone who fits well with our culture at Kindercare, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are and what motivates you!
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kindercare Fostering Northern Ireland
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of relevant legislation and fostering services. Being able to discuss how these laws impact the role of an Advanced Practitioner will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re ready to take on the challenges of the job.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing staff and leading projects, be prepared to share examples of your past leadership experiences. Think about specific situations where you’ve successfully guided a team or implemented a new initiative, and be ready to discuss the outcomes.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication is key in this role, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Whether it’s discussing your experience or answering questions, being concise and direct will help you make a great impression.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex situations. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges you might encounter in the role and how you would address them, especially regarding supporting foster carers with children who have complex needs.
