About the job
Salary: £39,152 – £41,771 a year plus £5,500 market supplement allowance and £963 essential car user allowance (subject to criteria)Hours per week: 35Contract type: Permanent
Are you passionate about making a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people? We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Social Worker to join our Family Placement Team, working in accordance with the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services and Fostering Services Regulations.
This is a rewarding role that places children’s best interests at the heart of everything you do. You’ll play a vital part in recruiting, assessing, and supporting foster carers, while promoting stability, safety, and positive outcomes for vulnerable children.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake the full range of social work duties related to statutory Family Placement work.
- Promote the best interests of children and young people at all times.
- Recruit and assess prospective foster carers, including general and connected persons carers, in line with departmental policies.
- Participate in and support local recruitment campaigns and initiatives.
- Conduct initial visits and progress through to full assessments using the BAAF Form F.
- Ensure assessments meet the highest standards and regulatory requirements.
- Present assessments at Panel and provide ongoing support to carer applicants.
About you
We are looking for a compassionate and skilled professional who brings a strong foundation in fostering and statutory children’s services.
- A DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent recognized social work qualification.
- Substantial post-qualifying experience in fostering or family placement work.
- A thorough knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Children Act 1989, Care Planning and Fostering Regulations 2015, and Fostering Minimum Standards.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to build effective relationships with children, carers, and multidisciplinary professionals.
- Proven ability to make sound professional judgments, particularly in complex or high-risk situations.
- A clear and concise written style, with the ability to maintain high-quality records and write reports on sensitive, complex matters.
- A deep understanding of child development, family dynamics, and safeguarding frameworks.
Additional information
We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our borough.
- From 25 to 32 days’ annual leave: linked to length of service and grade
- Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional annual leave
- Career Pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area
- Pension scheme: with generous employer contributions of up to 19.2 percent (at April 2026) and 3× salary death in service grant
- Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
- Employee Assistance Programme: a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service available to all employees, their partner or spouse and dependent children over 16 still living at home
- Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible. We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements including part-time hours and alternative working patterns
- Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways
- Staff offers: includes discounts on your MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons
- Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel
- Friday Funday Socials: One Friday every 2 months where we encourage our staff to get together to socialise after work
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