At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide therapeutic support to foster families and children, facilitating a nurturing environment.
- Company: Foster Care Associates, a leading fostering agency with a family-oriented culture.
- Benefits: Up to £46,500 salary, 30-35 days leave, life assurance, pension, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to helping children reach their full potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Professional therapy qualification and experience working with children and families.
The predicted salary is between 46500 - 46500 £ per year.
Foster Care Associates (The FCA) is an established fostering agency which forms part of the Polaris Community – one of the UK’s largest leading communities of children’s services providers. The business was born out of an enthusiasm for delivering fostering services to make a positive difference to the lives of looked-after children.
We are looking for a highly motivated and passionate Therapist to deliver high-quality therapy services to foster families, to facilitate and enable a therapeutic environment for looked-after children and young people placed with Foster Care Associates (FCA) by local authorities.
As a Therapist at FCA Northern Ireland, you will be part of a team delivering a therapy service to Foster Parents through consultations, training, workshops, group sessions and the Team Parenting model in consultation with social work staff and other agencies involved in working with the child. The service supports the agency’s stability strategy for children placed with families.
This rewarding role allows you to build firm relationships with our Foster Parents to support their understanding of what it means to be a therapeutic foster carer.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver therapeutic support to children, young people and Foster Parents
- Provide consultations, training, workshops and group sessions for Foster Parents
- Work collaboratively with social work staff and other professionals involved in supporting children and young people
- Contribute to the Team Parenting model and wider therapeutic support offered by FCA Northern Ireland
- Support placement stability by helping Foster Parents understand and respond to the therapeutic needs of children and young people
- Maintain appropriate professional records and work in accordance with relevant regulatory policies and processes
About You
- Hold a recognised professional therapy qualification relevant to the role
- Hold appropriate professional registration or accreditation with a relevant professional body
- Have relevant therapeutic or clinical experience working with children, young people and families
- Experience of working within fostering, children’s services or a related environment would be beneficial
- Be confident working collaboratively with Foster Parents, social workers and other professionals
- Have strong communication, relationship-building and organisational skills
For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Ciara Doyle, Registered Manager, on 07500 085303. No agencies, please.
The FCA is an equal opportunities employer and has been awarded Disability Confident Employer status by Jobcentre Plus. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced AccessNI check.
Therapist - Fostering employer: Polaris Community
At Headway Adolescent Resources, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a nurturing environment for both our staff and the children in our care. Located in the tranquil setting of East Huntspill, Highbridge, we offer competitive salaries, generous bonuses, and a strong commitment to professional development, ensuring that our Registered Managers have the support and resources needed to thrive. Join our passionate team and make a meaningful impact while enjoying a positive work culture that values resilience, collaboration, and the voices of those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Therapist - Fostering
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Polaris Community. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Polaris Community.
We think you need these skills to ace Therapist - Fostering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Polaris Community:Take some time to research Polaris Community and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Community
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Polaris Community's values and approach.
