At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the recruitment of foster carers and organise community events.
- Company: Join Foster4, a leading foster carer recruitment service in Cheshire and Merseyside.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, health programmes, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for supporting children are essential.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for full-time and part-time roles.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 Β£ per year.
About us
Foster4 is a pioneering foster carer recruitment service. Based at Warrington Borough Council's offices, we are a collaborative project, recruiting foster carers on behalf of nine Cheshire and Merseyside Local Authorities: Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, Warrington and Wirral.
We are looking for a dynamic and motivated Fostering Support Worker to help us recruit and support new foster carers throughout the nine Local Authority areas within the Cheshire and Merseyside region. We currently have 2 full-time vacancies, 1 part-time vacancy, and 1 full-time maternity cover vacancy within our service for an enthusiastic fostering support worker.
- 2 x full-time 37 hours fixed term until 31/03/2026
- 1 x full-time 37 hours fixed term until 31/07/2026
- 1 x part-time 18.5 hours fixed term until 31/03/2026
The role
As a fostering support worker, you will be at the forefront of promoting fostering within the community and guiding people through the fostering recruitment journey. You will be the first point of contact for all fostering enquiries and organise and deliver engaging recruitment events and activities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead on the recruitment of new foster carers, from initial enquiry through to assessment.
- Respond promptly and professionally to all fostering enquiries via in person, email, and telephone.
- Plan and deliver fostering recruitment, information, and outreach events within the community.
- Work collaboratively with social work teams and support the Marketing and Communications Manager with ongoing recruitment campaigns.
- Participate in the team duty rota to ensure delivery between the service hours of 9 am-7 pm.
What's needed?
The role involves undertaking specific tasks related to recruiting new foster carers, including organising recruitment events, delivering presentations, and information sessions.
- Previous experience in fostering, social care recruitment, or community engagement would be advantageous.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage and inspire others.
- Organisational skills to manage events and prioritise enquiries effectively.
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as part of a duty rota.
- A commitment to promoting the welfare and safeguarding of children and young people.
- IT literacy, a full driving licence, and your own transport.
Benefits include:
- 26 days annual holiday, increasing to 31 after 5 years of service (pro-rata)
- Access to our attractive benefits package
- Health & Wellbeing Programme
- Uniform and safety equipment
Key Dates & Further Information
For an informal chat about the role, contact Alexandra Kinsella, Foster4 Programme Manager. Interviews are scheduled for the week commencing 21 July 2025. Applicants must evidence their right to work in the UK before employment. Sponsorship is not available; you must have the right to work in the UK. Excellent spoken English is essential for this role. If you are a current Warrington Borough Council employee, you need to apply for this fixed-term position as an internal secondment, with prior approval from your line manager. DBS clearance is required. Warrington Borough Council is a Disability Confident employer.
Address: Warrington Borough Council Offices, 1 Time Square, Warrington, WA1 2NT
Foster4 Fostering Support Workers - Fixed Term employer: Warrington Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Warrington Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Foster4 Fostering Support Workers - Fixed Term
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the fostering landscape in Cheshire and Merseyside. Understanding the specific needs and challenges of the local communities will help you connect better with potential foster carers during recruitment events.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with local organisations and community groups that focus on child welfare and social care. Building relationships with these entities can provide valuable insights and support for your recruitment efforts.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your communication skills by engaging in mock presentations or role-playing scenarios. This will help you feel more confident when delivering information sessions and responding to enquiries.
β¨Tip Number 4
Be proactive in learning about the latest trends in fostering and social care. Staying informed will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Foster4 Fostering Support Workers - Fixed Term
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Fostering Support Worker position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with these expectations.
Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your experience in fostering, social care recruitment, or community engagement. Use bullet points to make it easy to read and focus on achievements that demonstrate your strong communication and organisational skills.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for fostering and your commitment to promoting the welfare of children and young people. Provide specific examples of how you have successfully engaged with communities or organised events in the past.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Warrington Borough Council
β¨Know the Role Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Fostering Support Worker. Familiarise yourself with the recruitment process, community engagement strategies, and the importance of safeguarding children. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
β¨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role requires strong communication and interpersonal skills, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged with others. Whether it's through organising events or responding to enquiries, be ready to discuss how you can inspire and connect with potential foster carers.
β¨Demonstrate Organisational Abilities
Highlight your organisational skills by discussing how you've managed multiple tasks or events in the past. Be prepared to explain how you would prioritise fostering enquiries and plan recruitment events effectively, showcasing your ability to handle the demands of the role.
β¨Emphasise Flexibility and Commitment
This position may require working evenings and weekends, so express your willingness to be flexible. Additionally, convey your commitment to promoting the welfare of children and young people, as this is a core aspect of the role that potential employers will be keen to see.