At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide a loving home for children and young people transitioning from residential care.
- Company: Join Oldham Council's Stepping Forward Foster Care scheme.
- Benefits: Earn £78,000 annually with tailored training and ongoing support.
- Other info: Flexible role with a strong team approach and excellent career development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life while receiving comprehensive support.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or adolescents is preferred; empathy and resilience are key.
The predicted salary is between 78000 - 78000 £ per year.
Join the Fostering Family in Oldham! We need foster carers to join our exciting new scheme Stepping Forward to Foster Care. In Oldham, there are some amazing young people currently living in residential homes. But what they really need is a foster family to care for them and help them thrive and that's where you could step in.
What support is available?
Becoming a Stepping Forward carer is a very rewarding experience. You will be helping a child or young person move from a residential home into a safe and loving foster family. We understand that this role can be challenging. That’s why all our carers receive extra financial support and a tailored support package. This is designed to give you the best possible chance of success. We want all our foster carers to feel prepared, supported and confident.
Stepping Forward carers will receive:
- An enhanced financial package with an annual combined skill and allowance fee of £78,000 whilst the child or young person remains in placement. This includes holiday, festival, and birthday allowances.
- A bespoke training and support package to help develop your skills.
- Ongoing therapeutic support from the fostering service and regular consultations with a clinical psychologist.
- Educational support from the Virtual School.
Stepping Forward to Foster Care is very much a team approach and we will be with you every step of the way. You will have access to senior managers, as well as your own supervising social worker who will be there to offer ongoing support.
Could I be a Stepping Forward carer?
The children and young people needing a Stepping Forward foster family tend to be aged 9 upwards and from different backgrounds, so we need a range of carers for these children and young people. Before making a placement, we aim to match carers with children and young people who we feel are best suited and are able to meet their needs.
Becoming a Stepping Forward carer is a full‑time role. It is open to both experienced foster carers and new foster carers who have the right skills, qualities and experiences to help children and young people move from a residential care into a family home. Ideally you will be able to demonstrate experience of working with children and adolescents with complex backgrounds and have a strong support network. Being able to work as part of a team will also be essential.
Previous experience in fostering, staying put or working in relevant professions such as education, health, youth service, probation or police would be beneficial. We encourage people with experience in the following areas to apply:
- Experienced foster carers
- Teachers or teaching assistants
- Residential support workers
- Youth workers
- Police officers
- Probation workers
- Anyone who works with children or young people
Skills needed include resilience, understanding therapeutic parenting and trauma, empathy, openness and patience. You will also need a spare bedroom and have the time and flexibility to care for these children and young people. All types of people make great Stepping Forward carers, so please don’t rule yourself out!
How do I apply?
If you are interested in our Stepping Forward to Foster Care Scheme, we would love to hear from you. Please email fostering@oldham.gov.uk with your name and mobile number and a member of our fostering team will be in touch. More information is available at www.oldham.gov.uk/fostering.
Stepping Forward Foster Carer — £78k+ Salary, Training & Support employer: Oldham Council
Oldham Council is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding opportunity to become a Stepping Forward Foster Carer. With a competitive salary of £78,000 and a comprehensive support package, including bespoke training and ongoing therapeutic assistance, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to making a positive impact on the lives of children and young people in the community. The supportive work culture fosters personal growth and development, ensuring that every carer feels valued and equipped to succeed in their vital role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Stepping Forward Foster Carer — £78k+ Salary, Training & Support
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fostering community or related fields. Attend local events or online webinars to meet people who can give you insights or even refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready for interviews! Prepare by researching common questions and think about how your experiences align with the role of a Stepping Forward Foster Carer. Practise your answers with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with someone from the fostering team, let them know why you want to be a carer. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your empathy and understanding of children's needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the Stepping Forward scheme right there, making it easier for you to tailor your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Stepping Forward Foster Carer — £78k+ Salary, Training & Support
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, 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 experience you have working with children or young people. Whether it’s from previous fostering, teaching, or other relevant roles, we want to see how your background can help you succeed as a Stepping Forward carer.
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to read through the job description and align your application with what we’re looking for. Mention specific skills like resilience, empathy, and teamwork that are essential for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t hesitate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oldham Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand what being a Stepping Forward Foster Carer entails. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children and young people in care, as well as the support and training offered by Oldham Council. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Share Your Experiences
Be ready to discuss your relevant experiences, whether it's working with children, teaching, or any other related profession. Highlight specific situations where you've demonstrated resilience, empathy, and teamwork. This will help the interviewers see how your background aligns with their needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the training and support package, or how they match carers with children. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your passion for fostering shine through! Talk about why you want to become a Stepping Forward Foster Carer and how you can make a positive impact on a child's life. Authenticity and enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
