We are seeking three passionate and committed Fostering Social Workers to join Dorset Council’s fostering service.
- Full Time Position 37 hours per week – Kinship Support £35,412 – £41,771
- Part Time Position 18.5 hours per week – Kinship Support: £17,706 – £20,885
- Full Time Position 37 hours per week – Kinship Assessment £35,412 – £41,771
You will receive regular supervision, access to high‑quality training, and ongoing professional development opportunities. This includes support from advanced practitioners, induction programmes, and Dorset’s Social Work Academy. Our service is committed to a therapeutic approach and is implementing the Mockingbird Family Model, giving you the opportunity to work closely with carers within constellations.
By joining us, you will play a key role in ensuring that children cared for by Dorset Council remain close to their families and communities and receive excellent care from well‑supported Kinship Foster Carers and Special Guardians.
As a Kinship Support Team Social Worker, You Will
- manage a caseload of Kinship Foster Carers and Special Guardians across Dorset and out of county, providing supervision and support
- undertake fostering reviews and ensure compliance with statutory requirements and National Minimum Standards
- contribute to quality assurance and our safeguarding processes
- offer guidance to our Kinship Foster Carers and Special Guardians, promoting best practice and a therapeutic approach
- work flexibly, including hybrid work (working from home and in the office)
As a Kinship Assessment Team Social Worker, You Will
- undertake kinship assessments focusing on Fostering, Special Guardianship. Assessments will be carried out in conjunction with children, families, carers and other professionals and in a timely manner in accordance with Council’s policies and procedures
- where arrangements include children/young people living under Reg 24 arrangements the assessing worker will also fulfil the role of the Kinship support social worker
- to prepare and present reports to court, you may be required to attend to give evidence in legal proceedings as required
- to prepare and present reports to fostering panel, supporting Carers through the process
- take part in presenting mandatory training required during the assessment
- work flexibly, including hybrid work (working from home and in the office)
We are looking for a dedicated and dependable professional who:
- is a qualified social worker, registered with Social Work England (minimum three years post‑qualification experience desirable)
- demonstrates strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and produce detailed written reports
- has experience working with foster carers in a statutory social care setting and a sound understanding of child care legislation and safeguarding practice
- can create an environment where social work practice can flourish and where carers feel supported and valued
This post requires significant travel. You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed.
This post involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them. It will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. See our policy on the employment of ex‑offenders.
See our policy on safeguarding children and young people.
You Must
- have a degree in social work/Occupational Therapy or equivalent
- be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- be able to fulfil the travel requirements of the post
All social workers who qualified after September 2012 need to:
- undertake the assessed and supported year in employment (ASYE)
- meet the expected standards during the ASYE period
The ASYE scheme is required unless you can prove that you meet the standards laid out in the professional capabilities’ framework.
See the children’s social worker framework.
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