At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in care by building a community of foster families.
- Company: Southend City Council, dedicated to fostering and child support.
- Benefits: Competitive pay at £15.56 per hour for 22.5 hours a week.
- Other info: Flexible hours with potential weekend events for community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working with passionate teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in fostering or working with children and families is essential.
The predicted salary is between 15 - 15 £ per hour.
Your New Organisation
The Mockingbird programme aims to replicate the support available through an extended family network. It creates a constellation of 6 to 10 satellite fostering families who are supported by 1 hub home that is operated by an experienced foster carer, offering planned and emergency sleepovers, advice, training and peer support. The Mockingbird programme works to meet the need for continuity and support for children and young people in care and for additional support for foster carers.
Your new role
Southend City Council are looking to appoint a part-time, agency Mockingbird Project Officer. The post is 22.5hrs per week, covering Tuesday-Thursday. You are required to be on site 1 day a week. As the Mockingbird Project Officer, you will work with key partners to develop a shared understanding and commitment to the Mockingbird Model. You will help to recruit Foster Carers to the new constellation and with families to create an extended family community for children and young people. The successful candidate will work alongside the fostering managers, social workers and support the wider working of the fostering service. Please note that some weekend hours might be needed for events and social occasions.
What you'll need to succeed
To be shortlisted for this position, you must have current knowledge and experience of fostering and/or working with children and families. You will have a high standard of customer service and administrative skills, along with this, experience and understanding of working collaboratively with internal and external teams and the ability to prioritise. You need to have the ability to communicate effectively, work well under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
What you need to do now
All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check. The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.
Mockingbird Liaison Officer employer: South End City Council
Southend on Sea City Council is an exceptional employer that values creativity and community engagement, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a tangible impact on the cultural landscape of the city. With a strong focus on employee development, collaboration with arts leaders, and opportunities for innovative programming, you will thrive in a supportive culture that prioritises inclusivity and high-quality experiences for all residents and visitors. Join us in shaping the future of Southend's cultural assets while enjoying the benefits of working in a vibrant coastal location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mockingbird Liaison Officer
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like South End City Council, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at South End City Council. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through South End City Council's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Mockingbird Liaison Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at South End City Council. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at South End City Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at South End City Council
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with South End City Council.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Mockingbird Liaison Officer at South End City Council.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show South End City Council that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Mockingbird Liaison Officer role.
