Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
£43,000 - £44,000
Permanent
Senior Fostering Social Worker - Make a Real Difference in a Child's Life
Are you a passionate and experienced Social Worker looking to make a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children?
We are seeking a dedicated Senior Fostering Social Worker to join our clients team in Birmingham. This agency is committed to providing high-quality foster placements where each child has stability and a warm, safe, nurturing environment in which to thrive.
About the Role:
As a Senior Fostering Social Worker, you will play a crucial role in assessing, supporting, and supervising foster carers, ensuring they can provide the best possible care for looked-after children and young people. You will also contribute to the quality assurance of our service, lead on internal projects, and act up as Registered Manager in their absence. This role offers a unique opportunity to combine direct work with foster families with leadership and development responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Foster Carer Support: Conduct comprehensive assessments of prospective foster carers, provide ongoing support and supervision to approved carers, and participate in reviews and planning meetings.
- Quality Assurance: Support the Registered Manager with quality assuring key documents, including PFCRs, annual reviews, and policies.
- Project Leadership: Take the lead on internal projects such as foster carer support groups.
- Acting Up Responsibilities: Step into the role of Registered Manager in their absence, making decisions about placements, recruitment, and safeguarding concerns.
- Mentoring: Assist in the growth and mentoring of other Social Workers within the agency.
- Safeguarding: Responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children at all times.
- Collaboration: Work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including local authorities, social workers, and other professionals.
Essential Requirements:
- DipSW, Certificate of Qualification in Social Work, or BA/MA in Social Work (or equivalent) with HCPC registration.
- Significant experience as a Social Worker in a fostering environment, including experience of acting as Manager, Team Leader, or Senior Practitioner.
- Proven experience supporting foster carers pre, during, and post approval, and working within assessment frameworks.
- Experience in providing placement support.
- Sound knowledge of Ofsted regulations, National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services, and Fostering Services Regulations.
- Excellent communication, administrative, and report writing skills.
- Ability to work under pressure, manage workloads effectively, and communicate clearly at all levels.
Salary & Benefits:
£38,000 - £43,000 per annum.
