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- Tasks: Provide short-term care for children with complex needs in a supportive environment.
- Company: Join Stoke-on-Trent City Council, dedicated to improving lives and services for over 260,000 residents.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, peer support, and generous holidays.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while receiving ongoing training and support.
- Qualifications: Must be over 21, have a spare bedroom, and experience with children or young people.
- Other info: You'll work closely with a multi-agency team and receive 24/7 standby support.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Overview
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is recruiting Specialist Pause and Reflect (PAR) Foster Carers to provide vital short-term care for children and young people with complex needs. Pause and Reflect (PAR) placements provide care for up to 28 days while longer-term arrangements are assessed. These young people may be new to care, arriving in emergency situations, or waiting for a suitable longer-term foster home. You\’ll provide them with calm, compassionate care during a time of intense uncertainty, helping them feel safe, heard, and supported.
What Is Pause and Reflect Care?
Short-term placements (up to 28 days). Often made with little or no notice. Children may be of any age, and often have experienced trauma or instability. Care focuses on stability, therapeutic support, and clear boundaries. You will work closely with a multi-agency team to help assess and plan next steps.
Responsibilities
- Experienced in supporting children or young people, especially those with trauma or high-risk behaviours
- Able to provide full-time care (24/7) including during emergencies
- Over 21, living in the UK with a spare bedroom and a stable home environment
- Emotionally resilient, flexible, and reflective
- Strong communicators who can work as part of a professional team
- Willing to complete ongoing therapeutic training
- Understanding of safeguarding and adolescent risks (e.g. exploitation, mental health, substance misuse)
- Car users essential
About Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is a unitary authority employing approximately 4,600 staff who deliver 700 services to more than 260,000 residents. Our city comprises six towns: Burslem, Fenton, Hanley, Longton, Stoke and Tunstall. We are committed to innovative approaches to maximise the benefits of transformation and to improve services for residents.
Benefits and Support
- A dedicated key worker and enhanced supervision
- Peer support groups
- 24/7 standby support from our emergency duty team
- Coordination with multi-agency professionals
- Competitive professional fostering fee (up to 52 weeks per year)
- Age-related maintenance allowance
- Paid 14-day break after every 56 days of active PAR care
- Celebration allowances (e.g. birthdays, Christmas)
- Initial setup and clothing allowance
- Mileage allowance
Interested?
If you\’re compassionate, resilient, and want to make a real difference in a young person\’s life, we want to hear from you. When you work for Stoke-on-Trent City Council you\’ll be helping to improve the lives and wellbeing of our residents. We\’ll provide you with support, learning opportunities and flexible working options and some amazing benefits including a competitive salary, generous holidays, an excellent defined local authority benefit pension scheme, annual leave purchase scheme, cycle to work schemes, and access to lifestyle discounts. We are committed to vibrancy and diversity and to creating an inclusive culture where all staff are valued and supported.
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Specialist Pause and Reflect Foster Carer employer: Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Contact Detail:
Stoke-on-Trent City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Pause and Reflect Foster Carer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children in short-term care. Understanding trauma and high-risk behaviours will help you demonstrate your capability to provide the compassionate support these young people require.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current foster carers or professionals in the field. They can offer insights into the role and share experiences that could be beneficial during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your emotional resilience and flexibility in conversations or interviews. These qualities are crucial for handling the unpredictable nature of short-term placements.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss safeguarding and adolescent risks in detail. Showing a strong understanding of these issues will demonstrate your readiness to take on this important responsibility.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Pause and Reflect Foster Carer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Specialist Pause and Reflect Foster Carer. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children in short-term care and the importance of providing a stable environment.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in supporting children or young people, especially those with trauma or high-risk behaviours. Emphasise any training or qualifications related to fostering, safeguarding, or therapeutic support.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your compassion, resilience, and commitment to making a difference in young people's lives. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Prepare for Potential Interviews: Think about how you would respond to questions regarding your approach to caring for children with complex needs. Be ready to discuss your understanding of safeguarding and how you would handle emergency situations.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stoke-on-Trent City Council
✨Show Your Compassion
During the interview, it's crucial to demonstrate your compassion and understanding of the challenges faced by children in care. Share personal experiences or examples that highlight your ability to provide emotional support and create a safe environment.
✨Highlight Your Resilience
Being a Specialist Pause and Reflect Foster Carer requires emotional resilience. Be prepared to discuss situations where you've had to remain calm under pressure or adapt to unexpected changes, showcasing your flexibility and strength.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, and be ready to explain how you would collaborate with multi-agency teams to support the children in your care.
✨Understand Safeguarding Principles
Familiarise yourself with safeguarding policies and adolescent risks, such as mental health issues and exploitation. Being knowledgeable about these topics will show your commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the children you will care for.
