Join a groundbreaking fostering community this #FosterCareFortnight
Are you an experienced foster carer ready to take on a new and rewarding challenge?
This #FosterCareFortnight, we're showcasing an exciting opportunity to join Portsmouth's innovative Mockingbird fostering model in the pivotal role of Hub Home Carer.
Mockingbird - a model with community at its heart
As pioneers of the Mockingbird model on the south coast, Portsmouth Fostering Service has successfully established five constellations of foster carers. Now, they’re looking to expand the network with a new Hub Home Carer to lead and support a fresh constellation of satellite carers and the children they care for.
Hub Home Carers are experienced foster carers who support a network of other carers and the children they care for by:
- Hosting planned and unplanned sleepovers for children within their constellation
- Providing peer and emergency support
- Facilitating learning opportunities
- Supporting joint planning and social activities
The hub home is most effective when children and young people feel like part of the household, rather than guests. Satellite carers should also feel welcome and valued as members of the constellation community.
Relationships are central
Hub Home Carers and foster carers work in close partnership, empowering families to support one another and address challenges before they escalate. This approach offers children a more positive care experience through a broader network of supportive adults.
Hub Home Carers also build connections with families important to the children and support their own families. They identify resources within the wider community that offer opportunities to learn, develop and succeed.
The role of a Mockingbird Hub Home Carer is vital to the programme’s success. It is both rewarding and demanding, requiring a full-time commitment from approved foster carers. The role involves significant organisation and planning to ensure the constellation functions effectively, along with a hands-on approach to caring for children during sleepovers.
Children benefit from being part of an extended fostering family, enjoying the relationships they build and the social activities they take part in.
What does the role involve?
As a Hub Home Carer, you will:
- Have two available beds for planned and emergency sleepovers for children and young people living in the constellation
- Support and mentor satellite families of between 6 to 10
- Plan and host regular social events for all the families in the constellation inside and outside the hub family home
- Support family time with siblings and their families
- Attend and coordinate training for carers in the constellation alongside the liaison team leader
You'll be supported throughout by a dedicated Mockingbird liaison social worker and the team leader.
Who we're looking for
The Hub Home Carer role is open to both single foster carers and couples. Like all foster carers, you should have a stable, healthy relationship and a strong personal support network. Our Hub Home Carers also maintain positive working relationships and support one another. Resilience and flexibility are essential for this role.
Hub Home Carers will have completed:
- Preparation training
- Post-approval induction period
- National Training, Support and Development Standards (TSD)
- and hold a Level 3 qualification or equivalent
You should have experience in creating warm, welcoming home environments and be capable of building genuine relationships with children of various ages, ethnicities, and genders.
Ideal candidates will be:
- Confident, energetic, and resourceful
- Skilled in managing conflict using a restorative approach
- Empathetic and willing to coach others
- Ready to take on a leadership role
What you'll receive
As Hub Home Carer you'll be entitled to a comprehensive support and finance package that includes:
- £31,200 per annum (£600/week)
- £2,600 annual (£50/week) activities allowance for hosting social events, organising activities and any associated mileage costs
- Additional payments for sleepovers (paid per child at the age related nightly fostering allowance rate at level 1 fee and fostering leave paid at level 3 rate)
- Mileage costs associated with a named child, paid as per fostering allowance rate
- 28 days paid holiday each year
- Regular supervision with your supervising social worker
- Out-of-hours support
- Role-specific training, including associated mileage/parking costs
This is more than a fostering role—it’s a leadership opportunity to shape a supportive, resilient community for children and carers alike. If you’re ready to make a lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Ready to make a difference?
Apply by 30 May 2025 by sending a short paragraph explaining why you’re interested to
Join Team Portsmouth
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