At a Glance
- Tasks: Support foster carers and children, plan engaging activities, and promote inclusion.
- Company: Join Swiis Foster Care, an Ofsted Outstanding service in the North East.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and help them thrive.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or families, strong communication skills, and a passion for inclusion.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 27000 £ per year.
Swiis Foster Care is seeking a motivated, enthusiastic and child‑centred Fostering Support Worker to join our Ofsted Outstanding North East service. Based in our Durham office, you will play an important role in supporting our foster carers, children and young people, and ensuring they have access to meaningful opportunities, enriching experiences and inclusive support.
As a Fostering Support Worker, you will work closely with the Registered Manager and Supervising Social Workers to ensure our fostering families feel supported and confident in meeting the needs of the children in their care. Your work will make a direct difference to children and young people, helping them to participate, grow, and thrive. A key part of the role involves planning, organising and delivering an annual programme of activities, groups and events designed to support wellbeing, build confidence and promote inclusion. You will also play a key part in capturing the voices of children and young people to shape the development of our service.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide practical, nurturing and responsive support to foster carers and children as directed by the Registered Manager.
- Build positive, trusting relationships with children and young people to promote their participation and encourage them to express their views, wishes and feelings.
- Plan, organise and deliver all children's activities, events and participation programmes throughout the year, ensuring they are inclusive, fun and purposeful.
- Support children and young people's stability by offering early help and contributing to strategies that strengthen relationships in fostering households.
- Facilitate opportunities for children and young people to engage in service development, such as forums, surveys, workshops, and creative projects.
- Provide support to foster carers around behaviour, routines, identity, relationships and general wellbeing.
- Assist with life‑skills, confidence‑building and social development activities for children and young people.
- Maintain up‑to‑date and accurate records, ensuring the voice of the child is clearly captured.
- Help coordinate celebration events, recognition activities and family‑support initiatives across the year.
- Build positive relationships with schools, community groups and external agencies to widen opportunities for children and young people.
- Participate in regular team meetings, training and development opportunities to support high‑quality service delivery.
- Support digital engagement tools such as newsletters, online groups or activity planning platforms.
- Coordinate peer support groups for foster carers and children and young people.
- Offer support with life-story work activities where appropriate.
- Contribute to service marketing by capturing activity stories, young people's achievements and participation outcomes.
Essential Qualities
- Have a strong understanding of the needs of children and young people in foster care.
- Be passionate about participation, inclusion and helping children feel heard and valued.
- Be a warm, reliable communicator able to build positive relationships with both foster carers and young people.
- Be highly organised, creative and able to manage a year‑round activities calendar.
- Have a genuine commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
- Be able to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends depending on activities and events.
- Hold a full driving licence and have access to a vehicle.
- Have relevant experience working with children, young people or families in a support, children's services, education, youth work, or community role.
Working hours: 37.5 hours per week, flexible to meet the needs of the service.
Benefits
- Competitive annual salary of up to £23,809.50 per annum (plus car allowance of £3400 per annum)
- Up to 38 days annual leave per annum inclusive of
Fostering Support Worker in Bristol employer: Swiis Foster Care England
Contact Detail:
Swiis Foster Care England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fostering Support Worker in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the fostering sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that job applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your enthusiasm for supporting children and young people. Let them see how much you care about making a difference in their lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings; reach out to organisations like Swiis Foster Care directly. Express your interest and ask about upcoming opportunities – it shows initiative and can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to fostering support. Think about scenarios where you've made a positive impact and be ready to share those stories. Confidence is key!
We think you need these skills to ace Fostering Support Worker in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting children and young people shine through. We want to see how much you care about fostering and making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have working with children or in community roles. We love seeing how your background aligns with the responsibilities of a Fostering Support Worker.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to spot. No need for fluff—just show us what you've got!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey with us at Swiis Foster Care.
How to prepare for a job interview at Swiis Foster Care England
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Fostering Support Worker inside and out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and essential qualities mentioned in the job description. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for supporting children and young people in foster care.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Think about your past experiences working with children, young people, or families. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills in building relationships, organising activities, and providing support. This will show the interviewers that you have the practical experience needed for the role.
✨Be Personable and Warm
As a Fostering Support Worker, building trust is key. During the interview, let your personality shine through! Be friendly, approachable, and genuine. Show that you can connect with both foster carers and children, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the team dynamics, the types of activities you might organise, or how the service captures the voices of children. Asking insightful questions shows your interest in the role and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.