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- Tasks: Support and mentor fostering families while hosting fun social events.
- Company: Join The Fostering Network, a leading charity transforming foster care.
- Benefits: Make a real difference in children's lives and build a supportive community.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of a unique programme that empowers families and enhances care experiences.
- 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 36000 - 60000 £ 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. The Mockingbird programme is run by The Fostering Network, the UK’s leading fostering charity, in conjunction with Gateshead Council and other fostering services across the UK. The programme has been running since 2015 and has the potential to improve placement stability, safety and permanency for children and young people in care and to improve support for, and retention of, foster carers.
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 – erinpowell@gateshead.gov.uk / 07934356396 or Fostering Assistant Team Manager Justine Anderson: justineanderson@gateshead.gov.uk / 07703380776. Please submit an expression of interest to Erin Powell by 8th 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 13th February 2026.
Mockingbird hub home carer in Gateshead employer: North East Ambition
Contact Detail:
North East Ambition 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 that 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. They can provide insights and tips that could give you an edge during your interviews. Plus, it shows you're proactive and engaged!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about scenarios where you've supported others or managed conflicts. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your experience effectively.
✨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.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase any relevant experience you have in fostering or supporting families. We’re looking for those who can bring their skills to the table, so don’t hold back on sharing your journey!
Stick to the Word Count: Keep your expression of interest between 400-500 words as requested. This shows us that you can follow instructions and communicate effectively. Plus, it helps keep your points concise and impactful!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right place without any hiccups. Let’s make this happen together!
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Ambition
✨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 knowledge will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous fostering experiences in detail. Highlight specific situations where you've provided support, managed conflicts, or organised events. Use examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to connect with others.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the constellation you'll be working with, the support available, and how success is measured. This shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in making a positive impact.
✨Emphasise Your Empathy and Coaching Skills
As a hub home carer, empathy and coaching are key. Be prepared to share examples of how you've supported others in the past. Discuss your approach to mentoring and how you can help satellite families thrive within the Mockingbird community.
