At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide a loving home and support for children in need.
- Company: Surrey County Council, dedicated to changing lives.
- Benefits: Earn up to £420/week plus generous allowances and training.
- Other info: Flexible opportunities with support networks and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life while earning and learning.
- Qualifications: Experience caring for children and a compassionate heart.
The predicted salary is between 21840 - 21840 £ per year.
Foster Carers Change Lives, Could You?
Salary: Earn up to 420+ per week plus additional tax benefits
Location: Home based, Countywide
Do you want to develop a vocation in childcare? Do you have room in your home and heart to give a child a stable, safe and nurturing family life? Are you interested in earning and learning while making a difference to children’s lives?
There are over 900 children in care in Surrey, a large number of these children need homes with foster carers. Foster carers are expected to provide a warm and loving family environment where a child’s emotional needs will be supported. The role of a foster carer includes the ‘usual’ tasks expected of parents and guardians such as:
- Taking children to and from school
- Attending meetings
- Supporting contact with family members
- Visiting friends
- Advocating for the child
As a Foster Carer for Surrey County Council you will benefit from:
- An experienced foster carer ‘buddy’
- A bespoke training package
- One-to-one support from your own supervising social worker
- The chance to build good support networks with other foster carers in your area
- Generous allowances paid for each child in your care
- 24-hour emergency support
- Fostering Network membership
- National Association of Therapeutic Parents (NATP) membership
- Regular social events and support groups
- Participation in the Mockingbird Family Model
- Opportunities to gain accredited qualifications
- The reward of making a difference to a child’s life
We are actively recruiting foster carers from all walks of life. You don’t need to own your home, be in a relationship nor have your own children to foster and you can continue to work and foster in some instances.
As a Foster Carer you will need to be understanding, resilient and able to develop trusting relationships with children. You will need to be prepared that some children may display challenging behaviours as a result of their life experiences. Foster carers need to have some experience of caring for children but this does not need to have been in a formal setting.
If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a foster carer, take a look at our website or give our friendly team a call on 0800 096 9626.
Foster Carer in Surrey employer: Surrey County Council
Surrey County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a generous benefits package including up to 31 days of annual leave, a local government pension, and access to a wealth of learning resources, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on the community. Located in Reigate, this role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the digital transformation of public services, all within a collaborative environment that values innovation and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Foster Carer in Surrey
✨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 Surrey County 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 Surrey County 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 Surrey County 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 Surrey County 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 Foster Carer in Surrey
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 Surrey County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Surrey County 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 Surrey County 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.
