Step by Step Partnership Ltd
Fostering Family Support Worker
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Fostering Family Support Worker (FFSW)
Salary: £27,000 per annum (pro rata for part-time hours). Applications for job share and/or part-time hours will be considered
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Location: Home-based with extensive travel across Hampshire, West Berkshire, Wiltshire, Reading and surrounding areas (mileage will be paid).
Reporting to: Fostering Service Manager
Role Purpose
To provide practical, emotional and social support to foster carers and children and young people within fostering households. The post holder will help carers fulfil their fostering responsibilities by delivering respite support, supervising and transporting children, supporting parenting specifically PACE parenting, encouraging positive experiences, and promoting the safety, wellbeing and development of children who are looked after.
To provide Therapeutic PACE parenting (for which training will be given) and support with the delivery of training for foster carers.
The role also supports fostering recruitment activities, engaging with prospective foster carers representing the organisation at events across the region.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Support to Children and Young People
- Provide morning, daytime, evening and weekend respite support for foster carers.
- Transport children safely to school, appointments, activities and other agreed destinations.
- Collect children from school or foster homes where appropriate.
- Supervise and transport to family contact sessions as directed.
- Provide one-to-one support sessions for children and young people in the community.
- Plan and participate in enjoyable, age-appropriate activities based on the child's interests and needs.
Support to Foster Carers
- Assist foster carers in meeting the needs of children placed with them.
- Attend meetings alongside foster carers and contribute professional observations.
- Provide practical support during periods of increased need.
- Respond flexibly to support requests, sometimes at short notice.
- Build positive and professional relationships with fostering households.
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Safeguarding and Child Protection
- Promote the welfare and safety of children and young people at all times.
- Follow safeguarding policies, procedures and professional standards.
- Identify and report concerns promptly and appropriately.
- Work in a trauma-informed manner and respond effectively to challenging situations.
- Ensure all activities and support are undertaken in accordance with risk assessments and care plans.
Recording and Reporting
- Maintain accurate, timely and professional records.
- Complete reports and provide updates following support sessions.
- Contribute to statutory reviews, meetings and care planning processes.
- Document observations and outcomes evidencing progress and positive engagement.
Recruitment and Service Development
- Support recruitment, information and community engagement events.
- Assist with online and face-to-face fostering promotion activities and training.
- Represent the organisation professionally within the community.
General Responsibilities
- Maintain confidential information in line with Data Protection legislation and organisational policies.
- Participate in supervision, training, coaching and professional development opportunities.
- Work flexibly, including early mornings, evenings, weekends and bank holidays where required.
- Undertake any other duties commensurate with the post.
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of work.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Qualifications
- Level 3 qualification in Childcare, Social Care, Health and Social Care or a related field.
Experience (can be from previous working experience or through student placements)
- Experience of working with children and young people who have social, educational, emotional or health needs.
- Experience of building positive relationships with children and families.
- Experience of safeguarding children and recognising welfare concerns.
- Experience of recording information and maintaining professional records.
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Knowledge
- Understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
- Understanding of the needs of children in care and fostering families.
- Awareness of the impact of trauma on children and young people's behaviour and development.
- Knowledge of professional boundaries and confidentiality.
Skills and Abilities
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to engage positively with children and young people.
- Ability to work independently and use initiative.
- Strong organisational and time-management skills.
- Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with carers, professionals and families.
- Competent IT skills for recording and reporting purposes.
Other Requirements
- Full UK driving licence.
- Access to a vehicle suitable for transporting children.
- Business-use vehicle insurance and valid MOT.
- Ability to travel extensively across the service area.
- Willingness to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.
- Enhanced DBS clearance (this will sourced and paid for by Step by Step).
- Right to work in the UK.
Desirable Criteria
- Previous experience within fostering, residential care, family support or youth work.
- Experience of supervising family contact.
- Understanding of the fostering sector and the role of foster carers.
- Additional training in safeguarding, attachment, trauma-informed practice or behaviour support.
- Experience supporting children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
Key Competencies
- Child-centred practice
- Compassion and empathy
- Professional integrity
- Reliability and accountability
- Resilience
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Commitment to safeguarding
Fostering Area to be covered
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