Foster Carer

Hampshire County Council; England; Hybrid; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Hampshire is seeking compassionate individuals to become Foster Carers. This role involves advocating for children, nurturing their development, and providing a stable home. Candidates should have experience with children and a commitment to making a difference in their lives. The position offers flexible fostering options, generous financial support, and professional training to develop necessary skills.

Benefits

Competitive financial support

Professional development training

Unique support network through Hampshire Hive

Qualifications

• Experience working with children and families.
• Ability to provide a safe and stable home.
• Willingness to learn and collaborate.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for the child in your care.
• Help the child with daily routines.
• Promote contact with birth families.
• Attend meetings and training.

Skills

Compassion

Empathy

Patience

Nurturing instincts

Communication skills

Flexibility

Resilience

Collaborative skills

Job description

Foster Carers

Location:across Hampshire
Salary:Generous weekly allowance and Skills fees + full training & 24/7 support
Type:Full-time / Part-time / Respite

Closing Date: 31 October 2025

Apply on website:I'm interested in becoming a Foster Carer, I would like to apply nowhants.gov.uk/fostering

Job Sector: Young People, Child in need, Child protection, Youth services

Job Role: Fostering

Contract Type: Permanent, Temporary

Area: Children & Families

Organisation Type: Local Authority

Have you ever thought about fostering a child?

As someone who may already work in social work, education or care, your background makes you well-suited to foster. Your compassion and professional insight can make a profound difference in a child’s life, helping them believe in a brighter tomorrow.

You can foster whether you’re single, married, a homeowner or renting. You can also be working full or part-time. What matters most is your ability to provide a caring, patient and stable home.

There are many types of fostering that you can do to suit you and your personal circumstances. These could range from overnight stays, emergency placements and children seeking refuge, right through to short and long-term fostering.

Right now, we’re looking for compassionate, resilient individuals to becomefoster carersfor our vulnerable children and young people who need a safe and nurturing environment to thrive.

Hampshire County Council's Children's Services has an Ofsted Outstanding rating, reflecting all the work that takes place to help children grow. We also have a unique offering for foster carers with our Hampshire Hive, an active, stimulating and supportive network of 27 foster family groups across the county.

Find out more here;

https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/fostering/consideringfostering/hampshirehive

What you’ll do:

As a foster carer your responsibilities will include:

• Advocate for the child in your care

• Help the child with all their daily routines, such as homework

• Find activities that the child enjoys boosting their confidence and self esteem

• Promote contact with birth families

• Help children manage their behaviour and feelings

• Work as part of a professional team

• Attend meetings and training

• Keep records and write reports about the children in your care

What we’re looking for:

• We’re seeking prospective foster carers with childcare experience who bring:

• Experience working with children and their families

• Strong skills in compassionate, empathy, patience, and strong nurturing instincts.

• Ability to provide a safe, secure and stable home environment for a child

• Communication and interpersonal skills

• Flexibility and adaptability

• Resilience

• Ability to learn, reflect and grow

• Collaboration with fellow professionals including social workers and therapists

• Commitment to diversity, equality and opportunity

Why join us?

• Outstanding Ofsted Rating:Choosing to Foster with Hampshire Fostering you can be sure you’ll be working with some of the very best social workers and fostering professionals the county has to offer, and that children in foster care will receive the right care and protection they so desperately need.

• Professional development:The training and development is second to none: Your development is important, which is why Hampshire County Council Fostering Service offer an extensive range of training courses that will help you when caring for children and aid your personal development. Our trainers are friendly and experienced, recognising the skills and knowledge you already have.

• Pioneering and unique support:Once you become a foster carer, you will of course have the wonderful support of your social worker who will continue to help you throughout your journey. One of the extra benefits of fostering with Hampshire County Council Fostering Service are your access to the unique Hampshire Hive. The Hive are a dedicated support bubble for foster carers at a truly local level. Led by a designated Hive Carer Support Worker, it is made up of 10-20foster families including birth children and the children they care for.

• Competitive financial support:It may feel a little unnerving to talk about fostering in financial terms alongside the amazing and inspiring impact you will have on a foster child. Fostering can bring a consistent and regular incomeinto your household (when you have a placement) – one that allows you to focus on fostering as a professional career. And with the current times, it really does enable a foster carer to offer the child a normal life with everyday experiences.

Who Can Foster?

To kickstart your fostering journey, we do ask that you:

• Are 21 years old or over

• Have a spare bedroom

• Some childcare experience

• Should have or be willing to acquire some childcare experience

What our Foster Carers say:

It gives me the opportunity to work with looked after children that need a loving and caring home. It also gives me the opportunity to improve my skills and work as part of a team. It also makes me feel like I am doing something worthwhile." Phil, Foster Carer

What our Foster Carers say:

Our foster carers share their thoughts on the skills you need to foster

Company

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