Social Worker, Child Development​/Support

We are seeking a passionate and committed Fostering Social Workers to join Dorset Council’s Kinship Fostering Team.

Full Time Position 37 hours per week – Kinship Support £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.

We offer a generous training package which includes Level 1 and Level 2 DDP training, in an established, experienced and inclusive team where you will be well supported and encouraged to develop your skills in a warm and friendly environment.

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.

• 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).

• Is a qualified social worker, registered with Social Work England
• Holds a clear enhanced DBS check.
• Has a full, clean driving licence and the ability to travel across Dorset and wider when necessary.
• Has a sound understanding of child care legislation and safeguarding practice.
• Demonstrates strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and produce detailed written reports.
• Can create an environment where social work practice can flourish and where carers feel supported and valued.

• Minimum three years post-qualification experience desirable.
• Has experience working with foster carers in a statutory social care setting.

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.

This post requires significant travel. You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed.

At Dorset Council, it s not just about the work we do, it s about how we do it. Hear directly from our employees about what makes Dorset Council special in this short video:

At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

• provide essential services that support over 300,000 residents
• work in partnership to make a real difference
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities
• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive

You will:

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
• have access to a range of benefits and support
• receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible, if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.

If you  passionate about making a difference, we  love you to join us.

Find out more about how to apply.