 Mandy* was no stranger to the challenges teenagers in care face. After years of working in the social sector, she stepped up to foster and Raine* became part of her life Mandy shines a light on what teenagers like Raine need during their time in care. Moving foster homes Raine lived with her previous foster carer for ten years. At 16, her foster carers gave notice and the local authorities tried to find her a new foster family. Despite their efforts, no local authority carers came forward. They approached Action for Children who identified Mandy as a match for Raine. Mandy reflected, “When the social worker contacted me, she explained that Raine had a lot of emotional difficulties. Her carers had decided they could no longer support her.” Children who are at higher risk of exploitation and self-harm need specialist support. Because Action for Children offer therapeutic fostering, the necessary training and support was available for Mandy. The support of other services "I remember there were concerns about self-harm and low self-esteem. She was lovely but suffering from depression. She needed the support of other agencies, like CAMHS (Child and Mental Health Services).” The first six months were difficult for Raine. But once she settled in, she started to invite her friends around. Raine got a part-time job and was engaging well with school. “My way of supporting her was by listening and working with agencies like CAMHS. I would support Raine emotionally, and by providing stability. “Developing Raine’s independence and trust was so important while she was with me. I’d give her pocket money and help her manage it so that she became more independent with her finances.” Fostering offers normal family life  For many children in care, fostering offers normal family life. Mandy can recall a time when she realised the kind of small things Raine had missed out on. "We we're sitting at the dining table one day and Raine said to me 'This is the first time I've sat and eaten around a table before'. “When she moved on, she cried so much, but she was leaving so much more stable and able. Raine went on to get an apprenticeship “She thanked me, and I said, you don’t need to do that. She stayed with me for 18 months in total and it was marvellous to see her change over that time.” Who can foster? The majority of young people in care are teenagers. We urgently need carers who’ll help young people develop confidence and independence. Provide the safe and happy home they deserve by fostering. *The names in this story have been changed to protect the identity of the child and carer. Source: www.actionforchildren.org.uk 
Role: Young Person Practitioner
Perks: Annual leave of 29 days (pro rata), plus public holidays, flexible maternity, adoption and paternity packages, annual staff awards, up to 7% employer contribution pension scheme, employee discount portal with all your favourite brands, check out more on our career's portal. Contract/Hours: Fixed Term Contract 12-18 months -Part-Time – 22 hours per week. About Us At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard and we campaign to bring lasting change to their lives. The Role Action for Children Fostering Scotland Service is a specialist fostering service that offers attachment-based therapeutic care to children and young people who cannot be looked after at home. We offer the highest standard of care, providing carers with excellent training, supervision and support to achieve the best outcomes for the young people we look after. We have had an excellent Fostering Inspection and continue to ensure excellent quality of care to support young people. We listen to young people every step of the way. Our Service is growing, and we need a young people's practitioner to join us, You will be working directly with young people as part of our Fostering Scotland team based in Glasgow. You will make a difference by:
You will be part of a team that values all of our relationships and where relational practice is at the heart of all that we do! What are we looking for from you?
The way we work We work to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team. Learn more about our behaviours and values to understand more about the way we work on our Action for Children website. For safe and happy childhoods Working here is so much more than a job. It's an investment of time to truly make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children, young people, and families across the UK. We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. Given this and our ongoing commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, we encourage applications from everyone. We value and celebrate the diversity of those that work with us and as an inclusive workplace we want all our current and future staff to feel able to be themselves in the workplace. If you're interested in finding out more, click apply and visit our careers portal for more information. Interviews are provisionally scheduled for 27th & 29th June 2022 If, for any reason, you need support with your application, please contact Jessica Jarvis on email Jessica.Jarvis@actionforchildren.org.uk who will be happy to give you any support you require. Full details and application documents here  Salary: circa £80k plus benefits Directorate: England Hub Contract Type: Permanent Full Time Closing Date: 28 June 2022 About Us
Action for Children supported circa 600,000 children and families through our local services last year, but we want to be able to do more. By building on what we do - growing and delivering more services in more communities across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, we will be able to provide more emotional and practical care and support to children and young people who need it. What you'll be doing This role will cover Action for Children's largest operational service area, England. Reporting to the National Director for England – Children's Services, the successful candidate will provide dynamic operational and strategic leadership to Children's Services in England. To increase market share, whilst ensuring that children and young people remain at the centre of everything that we do. You will be a key collaborator in our growth ambition, which is to support children into the future, growing our services and building a sustainable balanced portfolio. The overall ambition is to grow our income by up to 50% in England over the next 5 years. You will work closely with the National Director for England to deliver those targets of growth. Our four growth pillars are Family Support, Mental Health, Looked After Children and Children with Disability. This is a key role for Action for Children and the successful candidate will be instrumental for the growth and drive of Residential Services in England. You'll do this by:
What we need from you:
We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. Given this and our ongoing commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, we encourage applications from everyone. We value and celebrate the diversity of those that collaborate with us and as an inclusive workplace we want all our current and future staff to feel able to be themselves in the workplace. Action for Children are committed to giving a greater voice to children and young people from influencing service design to campaigning on relevant issues. If, for any reason, you need support with your application, please contact David Simpson, Recruitment Partner on 01923 361732 or email david.simpson@actionforchildren.org.uk We'll be happy to give you any support you require. Full details and application documents here  Director of Policy and Campaigns at Action for Children, Imran Hussain, said:
“The Independent Review of Children’s Social Care must be a milestone moment in reforming and fixing this broken system which is letting down our most vulnerable children. “The Review is totally right to identify that too often we wait for children to be harmed before they are offered help. The Review’s compelling big answer to this big problem is that we need to see a big switch from a system geared to putting children into care, to a system geared to preventing the need for children to go into care in the first place. “Our own research¹ shows that 64,000 children every year are missing out on early help services and then being re-referred to social care within 12 months. Children’s social care services need to be proactive and intervene before it becomes too late. “Now it's time to turn these words into action. The Government must grasp this opportunity to urgently reform the system, working alongside care-experienced young people.” We welcome three key interventions from the review, that will help reset children’s social care towards early intervention. Our response on family help: “New family help teams will give a clear responsibility to local authorities to put preventative family help at the core of children’s services. They should be given the strongest legal backing by the government.” Our response on funding: “After a decade of steep cuts to services, £2bn of extra funding for family help services would be a vital lifeline for families and would save money in the long run. The Treasury must commit to investing properly in prevention.” Our response on a guiding vision for Children’s Social Care: “Action for Children had called for a National Framework for Children’s Social Care to bring vision and common purpose to a fragmented system. We are delighted to see the Review pick up this recommendation.” Source: www.actionforchildren.org.uk  Salary: £29,400 per annum Location: Downpatrick Directorate: Children's Services Northern Ireland Contract Type: Fixed Term Full Time Closing Date: 9 June 2022 Contract/Hours: Full-Time (working 37 hours a week) on a fixed term contract until 31st March 2022 – generally Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm but some flexibility may be needed
Perks: Annual leave of 29 days (pro-rata) PLUS public holidays, flexible maternity, adoption and paternity packages, annual staff awards, up to 7% employer contribution pension scheme, employee discount portal with all your favourite brands, check out more on our careers portal. Closing Date: Midnight on 29th June 2022 - if we receive a high number of applications, we may have to close earlier than advertised. We're thrilled that you're considering a career with Action for Children so here's what you need to know…. About Us At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard, and campaign to bring lasting change to their lives. About the Role The Ballymote Family Project provides Sure Start and Family Support services. We provide a range of services which include universal services, early intervention and targeted interventions. This includes improving outcomes for children who are neglected or abused, whose parents are separating, having difficulties in school, returning to live at home, young people who have a caring role, families whose tenancy is at risk and families at risk of breakdown. You'll need to be able to travel freely as a lot of your work will be conducted in the community. As a Social Worker you'll generally be working 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday although there may need to be some flexibility to meet the needs of the service. This post would be suitable for a newly qualified social worker as AYE can be supported. Applications from those due to graduate shortly are welcome. As a Social Worker you'll be:
What You'll Bring: Our job description for the Social Worker outlines the requirements of the role but the ‘must-haves' are:
Working here is so much more than a job. Whether this is a career change for you or the next step in your journey, we'd love to hear from you. We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. A diverse workforce enriches the lives of the children and young people we work with and we welcome applications from everyone. We value and celebrate our differences and as an inclusive workplace we want everyone to be themselves. We are committed to safer recruitment practices to protect our service users; therefore, all applicants are expected to have an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding best-practice. We can't wait to hear from you – stay safe and happy. Application Process: There are 5 sections for you to complete, Personal Details, CV, Supporting Statement & Information, Equality & Diversity, Submission & Declaration. Top Tip... Refer to the job description when writing your Supporting Statement. Talent Pool: We'd like to hold your details in case similar jobs come up but do let us know if you'd rather we didn't. Contact: Emma Goodwin on 01923 361725 who will be happy to support with your application. Full details and application documents here  Salary: £90,000 Location: Watford, Hertfordshire (with occasional travel into London and national regions). Directorate: Corporate Shared Services Contract Type: Permanent Full Time Closing Date: 9 June 2022 Perks: Annual leave of 29 days, plus public holidays, flexible maternity, adoption and paternity packages, annual staff awards, up to 7% employer contribution pension scheme, employee discount portal with all your favourite brands, check out more on our career's portal.
Closing date: Midnight on Thursday 9th June 2022. If we receive a high number of applications, we may need to close earlier than advertised so get your application in quickly! We're thrilled that you're considering a career with Action for Children so here's what you need to know…. About Us At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard and we campaign to bring lasting change to their lives. What you'll be doing The successful candidate will improve the quality of service, accuracy, efficiency and effectiveness of financial operations, accounting, tax, and financial reporting functions, through established policies, procedures, and application of effective financial controls. You will also have an active role with the implementation of financial strategies, financial planning, and analysis, and to ensure the accurate recording of financial data, reporting to internal and external stakeholders. In addition, you will guide the team through the current implementation of the new financial system project to maximise the impact and to deliver the benefits expected. You'll do this by:
What we need from you:
Working here is so much more than a job. It's an investment of time to truly make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children, young people, and families across the UK. We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. Given this and our ongoing commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, we encourage applications from everyone. We value and celebrate the diversity of those that work with us and as an inclusive workplace we want all our current and future staff to feel able to be themselves in the workplace. If, for any reason, you need support with your application, please contact David Simpson on 01923 361732. We'll be happy to give you any support you require. Full details and application documents here  Salary: £35,000 per annum plus on call allowance circa £700 per annum. Location: Exeter, Devon Contract Type: Permanent Full Time Closing Date: 4 June 2022 Number of Roles: 2 Perks: Annual leave of 29 days, plus public holidays, flexible maternity, adoption and paternity packages, annual staff awards, up to 7% employer contribution pension scheme, employee discount portal with all your favourite brands, check out more on our careers portal.
We're thrilled that you're considering a career with Action for Children so here's what you need to know…. About the Role At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard, and campaign to bring lasting change to their lives. Action for Children Fostering South West Peninsula and Family Breaks Devon seeks to meet the needs of the most vulnerable children and young people in society by the provision of safe, secure and successful foster homes including of short breaks for children with additional needs. We also offer the highest standard of care-providing foster families with excellent training, supervision and support to achieve the best outcomes for the young people we look after. We strive to provide a good quality of care to young people, always ensuring they are the centre of our approach. We are looking for an outstanding Fostering Social Worker who can support carers from the Devon/Somerset borders to Cornwall - so flexibility to travel across this cluster as and when needed is imperative for this role. You will also have the opportunity to assess applicants to foster. As a Fostering Social Worker you'll be:
What You'll Bring: Our job description for the Fostering Social Worker outlines the requirements of the role but the ‘must-haves' are:
Working here is so much more than a job. Whether this is a career change for you or the next step in your journey, we'd love to hear from you. We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. A diverse workforce enriches the lives of the children and young people we work with and we welcome applications from everyone. We value and celebrate our differences and as an inclusive workplace we want everyone to be themselves. We are committed to safer recruitment practices to protect our service users; therefore, all applicants are expected to have an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding best-practice. We can't wait to hear from you – stay safe and happy. Contact: David Simpson on 01923 361732 who will be happy to support with your application. Full details and application documents here  To celebrate Foster Care Fortnight 2022, we’re shining a light on our fostering youth club in Wessex There is something incredible happening in our Hampshire fostering service. In a post-lockdown world, our carers came up with an ingenious idea to bring people together. An inclusive youth group where fostering families can meet and build new friendships. A club for everyone Fostering social worker Lindzi explains, “The youth group is great! It’s organised by our foster carers and welcomes the whole fostering family. Young people can even bring a friend if they like." The youth group runs every week, and due to demand, runs for two hours. Frankie, fostering team manager said, “It had been a great success. It's lovely to see the children and foster carers come together to catch up and socialise. It’s a good opportunity for me and the team to spend time with our foster families in a relaxed environment.”  Plenty to do The group’s emphasis is on interaction and having fun, and they have all the equipment they need. Lindzi said, “We were able to buy a Nintendo Switch, a large TV, pool table and tennis table, an ice hockey table, and a basketball stand. In the summer, we'll be able to take the club outside and make use of the green space around our offices. “We have colouring books and pens and a large table where adults and young people can sit and chat. This is proving quite effective as the young people (and adults!) are engaged in an activity but able to talk and join in as well.” Why is the club needed? Foster carer Sue* is a regular at the youth group. “Our foster child finds socialising difficult. Going to the club every week has given him the chance to build confidence with his peers and adults. He loves showing others how to play pool and different games on the Nintendo Switch.” The Anti-Bullying Alliance predict children in care are twice more likely to be a victim of bullying during primary school. Increasing to four times more likely for secondary school aged children.  Youth groups like this provide a network of young people who are care experienced with a place to connect.
Sue relates: “Our young person has suffered bullying from peers at school and in the local area. The club gives him the chance to have fun and socialise in a safe environment.” Fostering a support network The group is providing fostering families with their own reliable support network. Sue says, “In the past we have met for events organised by Action for Children. Whilst this has been enjoyable, the club gives us the chance to see carers and young people on a regular basis.” By helping young people develop independence skills, foster carers can leave their foster children too. Lindzi explains, “Foster carers are always welcome to stay, but can leave knowing children will be safe and looked after. “It's definitely been a success. As more young people join, our project will prove to be a great meeting point for everyone at the Wessex service!” Source: www.actionforchildren.org.uk  Salary: £29,400 per annum Location: Downpatrick Directorate: Children's Services Northern Ireland Contract Type: Fixed Term Full Time Closing Date: 24 May 2022 Contract/Hours: Full-Time (working 37 hours a week) on a fixed term contract until 31st March 2022 – generally Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm but some flexibility may be needed
Perks Annual leave of 29 days (pro-rata) PLUS public holidays, flexible maternity, adoption and paternity packages, annual staff awards, up to 7% employer contribution pension scheme, employee discount portal with all your favourite brands, check out more on our careers portal. Closing Date Midnight on 24th May 2022 - if we receive a high number of applications, we may have to close earlier than advertised. We're thrilled that you're considering a career with Action for Children so here's what you need to know…. About Us At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard, and campaign to bring lasting change to their lives. About the Role The Ballymote Family Project provides Sure Start and Family Support services. We provide a range of services which include universal services, early intervention and targeted interventions. This includes improving outcomes for children who are neglected or abused, whose parents are separating, having difficulties in school, returning to live at home, young people who have a caring role, families whose tenancy is at risk and families at risk of breakdown. You'll need to be able to travel freely as a lot of your work will be conducted in the community. As a Social Worker you'll generally be working 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday although there may need to be some flexibility to meet the needs of the service. As a Social Worker you'll be
What You'll Bring Our job description for the Social Worker outlines the requirements of the role but the ‘must-haves' are:
Working here is so much more than a job. Whether this is a career change for you or the next step in your journey, we'd love to hear from you. We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. A diverse workforce enriches the lives of the children and young people we work with and we welcome applications from everyone. We value and celebrate our differences and as an inclusive workplace we want everyone to be themselves. We are committed to safer recruitment practices to protect our service users; therefore, all applicants are expected to have an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding best-practice. We can't wait to hear from you – stay safe and happy. Application Process There are 5 sections for you to complete, Personal Details, CV, Supporting Statement & Information, Equality & Diversity, Submission & Declaration. Top Tip... Refer to the job description when writing your Supporting Statement. Interview Date Tuesday, 7th June – this date can change in special circumstances, but we do our best to stick to this. Talent Pool We'd like to hold your details in case similar jobs come up but do let us know if you'd rather we didn't. Contact Emma Goodwin on 01923 361725 who will be happy to support with your application. Full details and application documents here  Circa: £38,000 Location: London Directorate: EBL01 Hours: Full-Time, 37 Hours Contract Type: Fixed Term Full Time Closing Date: 4 May 2022 Number of Roles: 1 Salary: Circa £38,033 per annum inclusive of On Call allowance and Inner London Weighting
Fixed term contract until 31st March 2023 Location: London with some homeworking Perks: Annual leave of 29 days (pro-rata) PLUS public holidays, flexible maternity, adoption and paternity packages, annual staff awards, 7% employer contribution pension scheme, employee discount portal with all your favourite brands, check out more on our careers portal. Closing Date: Midnight on 4th May 2022 - if we receive a high number of applications, we may have to close earlier than advertised. We're thrilled that you're considering a career with Action for Children so here's what you need to know…. About Us At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard, and campaign to bring lasting change to their lives. About the Role: We are not a large service, but we are long established, and have committed, skilled and experienced foster carers who are able to provide stable, nurturing family homes for children and young people who for various reasons aren't able to be cared for in their birth families. Our children, young people and carers are supported and by a very experienced and skilled staff team. One of the strengths that our foster carers often comment on is that our service has a ‘family' feel to it. We are looking for an outstanding Fostering Social Worker who can support placements in the London and surrounding area, so flexibility to travel across this cluster as and when needed is imperative for this role. You will also have the opportunity to assess applicants to foster. During Covid times, we support agile / homeworking with the expectation to progress back into our office base in WC2B 5DG, when we can, with continued flexibility and a mix of home, office and travel to meet children and carers where they are. As a Fostering Social Worker, you'll be:
What You'll Bring: Our job description for the Fostering Social Worker outlines the requirements of the role but the ‘must-haves' are:
Working here is so much more than a job. Whether this is a career change for you or the next step in your journey, we'd love to hear from you. We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. A diverse workforce enriches the lives of the children and young people we work with and we welcome applications from everyone. We value and celebrate our differences and as an inclusive workplace we want everyone to be themselves. We are committed to safer recruitment practices to protect our service users; therefore, all applicants are expected to have an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding best-practice. We can't wait to hear from you – stay safe and happy. Application Process: There are 5 sections for you to complete, Personal Details, CV, Supporting Statement & Information, Equality & Diversity, Submission & Declaration. Top Tip... Refer to the job description when writing your Supporting Statement. Talent Pool: We'd like to hold your details in case similar jobs come up but do let us know if you'd rather we didn't. Full details and application documents here |
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