At a Glance
- Tasks: Help match children with loving foster families and support their journey to stability.
- Company: Join Lancashire County Council's dynamic Fostering Service team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of an innovative team dedicated to positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and help them thrive.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting children and strong teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 28142 - 32061 £ per year.
Salary £28,142- £32,061 Per annum | Permanent | Full Time - 37 hours per week
This role is not open to international sponsorship.
Join our dynamic Fostering Service as a Family Finding Support Worker, where you will play a vital role in securing safe, nurturing homes for children in care. Working as part of a high‑performing and supportive team, you will help match children with the right fostering families, making a lasting difference to their lives and futures. This is a rewarding opportunity to be part of Lancashire County Council’s commitment to achieving the very best outcomes for children and young people.
Are you passionate about making a real difference to the lives of children and young people? Do you want to be part of a motivated, innovative team that is dedicated to finding the right homes for children in care? Lancashire County Council is looking for a Family Finding Support Worker to join our Fostering Service within the Resilience, Development and Support Team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in one of the most important aspects of children’s social care – identifying and securing nurturing, stable fostering homes where children can thrive.
Since the expansion of our Family Finding service in 2024, we have developed a strong, high‑performing team that is driven by a shared ambition: to achieve the very best outcomes for the children we support. We pride ourselves on our collaborative, solution‑focused approach and our commitment to continually improving what we do.
Responsibilities
- Work creatively and purposefully to identify and match children with fostering families, ensuring their needs, experiences and futures are at the heart of every decision.
- Support children to move into safe, stable and nurturing homes, including short‑term, long‑term and step‑down from residential care arrangements.
- Contribute to innovative approaches such as activity days and fostering events, helping children and carers build meaningful connections.
- Work closely with social workers, foster carers and partner agencies to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and families.
This role is more than just matching – it’s about changing lives. You will help children experience stability, belonging and the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Values
- Putting children and families at the heart of everything we do.
- Valuing diversity, partnership working and strong communities.
- Supporting our staff to grow, develop and thrive in their careers.
Service Overview
- Is supportive, forward‑thinking and ambitious.
- Encourages innovation and new ideas.
- Invests in your learning, development and wellbeing.
- Recognises the importance of teamwork and shared success.
If you are enthusiastic, committed and want to be part of a service that is making a genuine difference every day, we would love to hear from you. If you have any questions or want to discuss further please contact the family finding manager – emma.bottomley@lancashire.gov.uk
The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a ‘disclosure’. Further information can be found on the ‘Our Recruitment Process’ tab.
In return Lancashire County Council offers a range of benefits, which can be found on LCC Vacancies website. We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications.
Support Worker - Fostering Family Finding| Permanent| Full-Time employer: Lancashire County Council
Lancashire County Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and innovative work culture that prioritises the wellbeing and development of its staff. As a Family Finding Support Worker, you will be part of a high-performing team committed to making a meaningful impact on the lives of children in care, with ample opportunities for professional growth and collaboration. The council values diversity and teamwork, ensuring that every employee feels valued and empowered to contribute to the community's success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker - Fostering Family Finding| Permanent| Full-Time
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the fostering and social care sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to fostering and support work. Think about your experiences and how they align with the role. We want to show them that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about what it takes to make a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your personality! When we get the chance to meet potential employers, let our passion shine through. Share stories that highlight our commitment to children and families, and how we’ve made a positive impact in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of our applications and stay updated on any new opportunities that pop up in the fostering service.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker - Fostering Family Finding| Permanent| Full-Time
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for making a difference shine through. We want to see how much you care about supporting children and families, so share your motivations and experiences that align with our mission.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific role of Family Finding Support Worker. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that demonstrate your ability to match children with fostering families and contribute to their wellbeing.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Family Finding Support Worker. Familiarise yourself with the key aspects of the role, such as matching children with fostering families and supporting their transition into stable homes. This will help you demonstrate your passion and suitability for the position.
✨Showcase Your Values
This role is all about putting children and families first, so be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with those of Lancashire County Council. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've prioritised the needs of others, especially in challenging situations, to show that you truly care about making a difference.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during your interview. These might involve how you would handle specific situations related to fostering or working with children in care. Practise your responses by thinking through potential scenarios and how you would approach them, focusing on collaboration and innovative solutions.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to show your genuine interest in the role and the team. Ask about the current challenges the Fostering Service faces or how they measure success in finding suitable homes for children. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
