At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adoptive families and children through Letterbox exchanges, ensuring their needs are met.
- Company: Join the Adoption Support Team at Adoption Counts, making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Commitment to diversity and guaranteed assessment for eligible applicants.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that promotes positive outcomes for children and families.
- Qualifications: Understanding of trauma issues, strong communication skills, and teamwork experience.
The predicted salary is between 28598 - 31022 £ per year.
Job Overview
Family Support Worker Keeping in Touch Team (Letterbox)
Salary: Scale 5, (£28,598 - £31,022) pro rata to hours worked.
Roles available:
- 37 Hours, Full Time Temporary, until March 2027
- 18.5 Hours, Part Time Permanent
Location: Hybrid - Etrop Court, Wythenshawe, Manchester.
Join the Adoption Support Team at Adoption Counts to support birth families and adopters through Letterbox exchanges, promoting the child’s identity across the Regional Adoption Agency area.
Responsibilities
- Deliver family support to adoptive families within the region, ensuring the child’s needs are central.
- Provide some direct work sessions with children and parents.
- Collaborate with the adoption support team to coordinate services and support plans.
- Participate in direct or indirect contact processes, including Letterbox exchanges.
Qualifications and Experience
- Good understanding of issues faced by children who have suffered trauma and the qualities needed in adoptive families to meet those needs.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team.
- Passion for achieving positive outcomes for children and families.
- Experience in social work, family support, or a related field is desirable.
Work Conditions and Other Information
Successful applicants subject to satisfactory pre‑employment clearances, including a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Stockport Council holds a visa sponsorship licence, but this role does not currently qualify. We are committed to improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities, care leavers and ex‑military personnel. As part of the Guaranteed Assessment Scheme, you will be guaranteed to be shortlisted for assessment if you meet both the scheme criteria and the essential job role criteria.
Family Support Worker employer: Stockport Council
At Adoption Counts, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both our employees and the families we serve. With opportunities for professional growth and development, particularly in the field of family support, our hybrid working model based in Wythenshawe, Manchester, allows for flexibility while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values collaboration and strives for positive outcomes in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support Worker
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Stockport Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Stockport Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Stockport Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Stockport Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Stockport Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Stockport Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stockport Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
