Job Description

Key Highlights:

• £38 per hour
• Fostering Service
• Hybrid working 3 days per week in the office
• Supportive and well-established fostering team
• Opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of foster carers and children
• Flexible locum contract with competitive rates

Are you an experienced Social Worker looking for your next challenge within a dedicated Fostering Service? Somerset Council is seeking a motivated and passionate Social Worker to join their fostering team, supporting foster carers and ensuring children receive safe, stable, and nurturing placements.

This is an excellent opportunity to work within a progressive local authority that places children and carers at the heart of everything they do. You'll play a vital role in recruiting, assessing, supporting, and developing foster carers while contributing to positive outcomes for children in care.

Somerset Council is committed to creating a supportive environment where practitioners can thrive. The authority has invested heavily in strengthening its children's services, ensuring social workers have access to quality supervision, manageable caseloads, and ongoing professional development opportunities. You'll be joining a service that values collaboration, innovation, and relationship-based practice.

• Undertake comprehensive fostering assessments, including Form F assessments.
• Provide ongoing supervision, support, and guidance to approved foster carers.
• Complete annual foster carer reviews and present reports where required.
• Participate in foster carer recruitment and assessment processes.
• Work collaboratively with children, families, partner agencies, and multi-disciplinary professionals.
• Support placement stability and contribute to positive outcomes for children in care.
• Attend fostering panels and contribute professional recommendations.
• Maintain accurate and timely case recordings and assessments.
• Ensure all work is completed in accordance with fostering regulations, national minimum standards, and statutory guidance.
• Promote safeguarding and ensure children remain at the centre of all decision-making.

• Qualified Social Worker with a recognised Social Work qualification.
• Registration with the Social Work England.
• Previous experience working within a Fostering Service.
• Experience completing fostering assessments and supporting foster carers.
• Strong knowledge of fostering regulations, safeguarding legislation, and relevant statutory guidance.
• Excellent assessment, report writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently whilst contributing positively to a team environment.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is desirable.

• £38 per hour competitive pay rate
• Hybrid working model with only 3 office days per week
• Supportive management and regular supervision
• Opportunity to work within a stable and experienced fostering team
• Meaningful work that directly improves outcomes for children and foster families
• Dedicated consultant support throughout your assignment
• Access to a wide range of local authority opportunities nationwide
• Generous referral bonus scheme

For more information or to apply for this opportunity, please contact:

Josh Dhumisani
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