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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide loving care and support for young people in your home.
- Company: Join Southampton City Council's dedicated Fostering Team.
- Benefits: Earn up to £650 per week with extensive training and support.
- Other info: Join a supportive community with social events and peer guidance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while building meaningful relationships.
- Qualifications: Must be 21+, have experience with children, and a spare bedroom.
Join to apply for the Foster Carer role at Southampton City Council
Overview
The Fostering Team at Southampton City Council are looking to recruit more foster carers for young people in and around Southampton. Southampton City Council fostering service puts young people who need loving, local foster homes at the heart of everything we do. Our focus is keeping young people close to their schools, friends, and birth families. Our foster carers come from all walks of life, so as long as you are 21 or over, are interested in fostering, have experience caring for children or young people, and have a spare bedroom, we’d love to hear from you.
Responsibilities
- Providing a high standard of daily care for young people
- Developing meaningful, positive relationships with young people
- Promoting the young person’s identity
- Supporting the young person’s learning and development
- Using your skills and knowledge
- Attending mandatory training
- Following placement and care plans for young people in your care
- Working with a range of professionals to support the young person
- Working with birth families and significant people in the young person’s life (where necessary)
- Updating the team regularly on the young person’s progress and any significant events
- Following the service policy and procedures
What do you get?
The best part of being a foster carer is the satisfaction of seeing the young people in your care grow and develop. You will support young people to fulfil their potential, grow in confidence, and reach achievements. A foster carer can give a young person the skills to be safe and happy in life.
- Weekly fee, consisting of a skill level fee and an all-inclusive allowance (depending on skill level and age of the young person, up to £650 per week)
- Extensive support and training package, including training opportunities, monthly visits from your fostering social worker, support groups, out of hours support, and social events
- Membership to Foster Talk for independent support and advice
- Membership to New Family Social, a LGBTQ+ network for Foster Carers
Skill level fees increase with experience. The all-inclusive allowance covers usual expenses when caring for a young person and varies by the age of the young person. Travel and mileage expenses can be claimed, and there are annual payments to help with birthdays, Christmas, and holidays.
The Mockingbird Family Model
Southampton City Council has implemented the Mockingbird Family Model, a global award-winning programme led by The Mockingbird family model delivers sustainable foster care. It focuses on support and relationships provided by an extended family and a constellation community offering peer support, social activities, planned and emergency sleepovers, and learning opportunities to strengthen relationships and permanence.
How to apply
If you’re interested in becoming a foster carer, contact the team below or visit our website to find out more:
Email: Fostering@southampton.gov.uk
Call: 0300 131 2797
Seniority level
- Entry level
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Other
Industries
- Government Administration
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Foster Carer employer: Southampton City Council
Contact Detail:
Southampton City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Foster Carer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the fostering community! Attend local events or support groups to meet other foster carers. This will not only help you understand the role better but also build a network of support.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive in your approach! Reach out to the fostering team at Southampton City Council and ask questions. Showing your enthusiasm can make a great impression and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to fostering. Think about your experiences and how they relate to caring for young people. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 fostering process right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Foster Carer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're filling out 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.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for. This shows us that you understand the role and are genuinely interested in becoming a foster carer.
Show Your Commitment: Fostering is a big responsibility, so it’s important to demonstrate your commitment in your application. Share any relevant experiences or training you've had that show you're ready to support young people in need.
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 the right team and we can start reviewing it as soon as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a foster carer and the specific needs of young people. Familiarise yourself with Southampton City Council's values and the Mockingbird Family Model. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to providing the best care.
✨Share Personal Experiences
Think about any relevant experiences you have in caring for children or young people. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills in building relationships, promoting learning, and supporting diverse needs. This personal touch can really resonate with the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the support systems in place for foster carers, the training opportunities available, or how the team collaborates with birth families. This shows that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your passion for fostering shine through! Talk about why you want to become a foster carer and how you plan to make a positive impact on the lives of young people. Your enthusiasm can be a key factor in making a lasting impression.