Fostering Family Support Worker

Salary: £21,600 per annum applications for job share and/or part-time hours will be considered.

Hours:

30 hours per week, permanent contract. Flexibility with working hours is desirable as the role works with mostly school aged children, so some work will take place in the early evening after their school day has finished, up until approximately 18:00. Most work will take place on weekdays but there will be some weekend work required, approximately one Saturday a month.

Location:

Home-based with travel across Hampshire, West Berkshire, Wiltshire, Reading and surrounding areas (mileage will be paid). A driving licence is required for this role together with business class vehicle insurance and access to a vehicle. Reporting to:
Fostering Service Manager We offer a workplace that genuinely cares about people, both our staff and the young people we support. Alongside a meaningful role, you will receive: £21,600 per annum for 30 hours per week permanent contract. Additional holiday allowance Life assurance Casual and inclusive dress code Company pension (with award-winning Royal London) Health & wellbeing programme 24/7 access to a GP Training (training will be provided) Opportunity to gain a funded qualification after successful probation Health Cash Plan (cashback for dental and optical expenses, plus more) Employee Assistance Programmes About Us Step by Step Fostering is a not-for-profit fostering agency dedicated to providing safe, nurturing, and supportive foster homes for children and young people across South Central England.

We are committed to helping children and young people thrive, reach their potential, and experience the stability and care they deserve. Established in 2021 by the Step by Step charity, our fostering service builds on more than 35 years of experience supporting vulnerable young people. Approved by Ofsted, we provide foster placements for children and young people aged 018, including sibling groups and those with more complex needs.

As part of the Step by Step Partnership, we benefit from the expertise and resources of a charity that supports over 1,300 young people each year through accommodation, personal development opportunities, and specialist support services. This unique connection enables us to take a holistic approach to supporting children, young people, foster carers, and families. Our team is passionate, professional, and dedicated to making a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting their welfare and expect all employees, foster carers, and volunteers to share this commitment. Through compassion, expertise, and strong relationships, we help create positive futures for the children and young people in our care. 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 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. 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,…