Fostering and Kinship Social Worker

This permanent, full-time social worker post sits in the Fostering and Kinship Service of Worcestershire County Council's Children's Services, within Worcestershire Fostering. The work centres on assessing and supervising foster carers and carrying out viability, private fostering and special guardianship assessments for court. Its focus on family and friends placements, including connected carer assessments, sets it apart from general fostering work.

Candidates need current Social Work England registration and post-qualifying experience in children and families.

• Assessing and supervising foster carers
• Undertaking viability assessments for court submission
• Undertaking private fostering assessments for court submission
• Undertaking special guardianship assessments for court submission

• Professional qualification in social work

• Current Social Work England registration

• Post-qualifying experience in children and families work
• Proven experience of completing social work assessments

• Good knowledge of fostering regulations and minimum standards

• Satisfactory enhanced criminal records check via the DBS, as the post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974

• Experience of fostering and connected carers assessments

• 26 days paid holiday plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years
• Holiday matching of up to 31 days for those joining without a break
• Social Work England registration fees reimbursed
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Access to the Social Work Academy and CPD
• 24/7 employee assistance programme with support and counselling
• Hybrid working where possible
• Regular supervision and team meetings with a stable permanent management group