At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and supervise foster families while running training and community events.
- Company: Join an 'Outstanding' organisation dedicated to improving children's lives in Sunderland.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, paid training time, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Informal discussions about the role are encouraged via email.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while being part of a diverse and inclusive team.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications mentioned; passion for fostering and supporting families is key.
The predicted salary is between 36124 - 45718 £ per year.
Fostering Social Worker
Grade 7/8 | £36,124 – £45,718 per annum
Plus:
- Essential Car User Allowance: £1,239/year
- 2% Recruitment & Retention Allowance
Permanent | Full-Time
Interview date: 31 July 2025
This is your opportunity to join our ‘Outstanding’ organisation and make a difference!
We are proud that Together for Children Sunderland was rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2021 and maintained this rating in 2025, thanks to our well-supported and talented workforce committed to improving children’s outcomes. Join us and be part of our ongoing journey!
The fostering team supports 140 fostering families and their children. Responsibilities include supervision and support to foster carers, running training sessions, Mockingbird events, recruitment activities, support groups, youth clubs, children and carer events, and attending meetings related to children’s care planning.
The current postholder supervises 15 fostering families, runs a 12-week therapeutic parenting course, and supports duty tasks and events.
If you would like to have an informal discussion about this role, please contact peoplesupport@togetherforchildren.org.uk.
Together for Children is committed to developing a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve across Sunderland. We aim to foster an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and diversity is celebrated.
We collaborate with established employee networks, including:
- Menopause Network
- Accessibility Network
- LGBTQ+ Network
- Racial Equality Network
- Armed Forces Network
We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief, or race. If you have a disability, please contact our Accessibility Network Chair at EDI@togetherforchildren.org.uk for support during the recruitment process and employment.
For more information about Together for Children, visit our website: https://www.togetherforchildren.org.uk.
Many foster carers combine fostering with other employment. We support this through our fostering-friendly policies, including flexible working arrangements and paid time off for training and settling a new child.
As a fostering-friendly employer, we promote Foster Care Fortnight, our annual campaign to raise awareness of fostering and encourage more people to consider becoming foster carers.
#J-18808-LjbffrFostering Social Worker in Sunderland employer: Together for Children Sunderland
Together for Children Sunderland is an outstanding employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community. With a strong focus on employee support and development, we offer flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training opportunities, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Join our passionate team and contribute to improving children's outcomes while enjoying a rewarding work culture that values every individual.
Contact Details:
Together for Children Sunderland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fostering Social Worker in Sunderland
✨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 Together for Children Sunderland.
✨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 Together for Children Sunderland!
✨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 Together for Children Sunderland, 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 Together for Children Sunderland 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 Fostering Social Worker in Sunderland
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 Together for Children Sunderland:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Together for Children Sunderland! 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 Together for Children Sunderland
✨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.
