At a Glance
- Tasks: Support foster placements by planning activities and running support groups for children.
- Company: St Christopher's, a leading charity dedicated to children's welfare.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, meaningful work, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help create positive life experiences for young people.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, good communication skills, and ability to handle challenging behaviour.
The predicted salary is between 11.7 - 14.3 £ per hour.
Variable hours (Zero hours Contract) West Midlands
Are you looking for a job working with children and with flexibility that could fit alongside your work and family commitments? If so, this job could be for you.
About Us
Our vision is for every child and young person to be safe, loved and happy, to achieve their potential and have a bright future. St Christopher's is a leading charity for children and young people. We are proud of our history of providing fostering, children's homes and innovative leaving care services across the UK & Isle of Man. We have a passionate commitment to our young people, placing them at the centre of everything we do. We provide positive life experiences for young people who are unable to sustain a placement in their parental or foster home. We are an equal-opportunity employer keen to develop an inclusive workforce where people feel they belong. We hope to attract applications from under-represented groups, including people from different cultures, nationalities, socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, disabilities, religions, faith, sex, orientation, childcare responsibilities, and gender-diverse identities.
About the Role
We are looking to recruit a Fostering Support Worker (Bank) working closely with the supervising social workers, local authorities and other professionals to support foster placements. The role will involve:
- Planning and implementing appropriate activities to meet the individual needs of looked after children
- Running support groups, both for looked after children and birth children
- Providing support sessions during the day, evenings or weekends
- Transporting young people to activities and appointments and supervising family contact sessions
Applicants should have
- Experience of working with children and young people in a paid or voluntary capacity
- Experience of administrative work including data entry and report writing
- Ability to work with challenging behaviour and resolve conflict
- Ability to maintain personal and professional boundaries
- Good communication and administrative skills and the ability to build and sustain sound professional relationships
Recruitment Process
Applicants will ideally already be on the DBS Update Service; if this is not the case St Christopher's will carry out a DBS (police) check prior to starting. It is against the law to apply for work with Children/Young People if you are barred from working in Regulated Activity and if your name is added to a Children Barred List. All shortlisted candidates invited to interview will be asked to submit a Self-Declaration and Disclosure form which will need to be returned prior to an interview being booked. Please note this post has a minimum age restriction of 21 for roles working directly with children and young people in our residential and semi-independent Homes in line with the Equality Act ‘occupational requirement’.
Fostering Support Worker Bank - West Midlands employer: St Chris
St Chris is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture where dedicated individuals can truly make a difference in the lives of young people. With competitive remuneration and tailored training opportunities through our 'St Christopher’s Academy', employees are encouraged to grow professionally while working in a fulfilling environment in Ealing, United Kingdom.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fostering Support Worker Bank - West Midlands
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to St Chris, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of St Chris. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at St Chris. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Chris
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with St Chris.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Fostering Support Worker Bank - West Midlands role at St Chris, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show St Chris that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
