Fostering Social Worker - Hampshire County Council

Caritas Recruitment Limited; Alton; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible & hybrid work

9-day working fortnight

Personal Assistant support

Tablet device for agile working

Personal development days

Job summary

Hampshire County Council is seeking a Fostering Social Worker to join the East Hampshire team. The role includes supervising foster carers, ensuring standards, and supporting carers with development. You will work across a large geographic area with flexible hybrid arrangements.

You will supervise, match placements, and participate in duties and safeguarding activities, contributing to safe, nurturing homes for children and young people.

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Experience within Fostering, Children's Social Work or Family Support Services.
• Strong assessment, relationship-building and safeguarding skills.
• Ability to work independently across a large geographical area.
• Flexible approach, including occasional work outside standard office hours when required.

Responsibilities

• Provide supervision and support to foster carers in line with the Fostering Regulations 2011.
• Ensure foster carers meet National Minimum Standards for Fostering.
• Support carers with training and professional development.
• Work with Placement Commissioning Team to identify matches for children.
• Assist in sourcing planned and emergency foster placements.
• Participate in duty responsibilities and crises support.
• Attend team meetings, case discussions and supervision sessions.
• Promote safeguarding and ensure child protection procedures are followed.

Skills

Social Work Registration

Fostering Experience

Safeguarding Expertise

Independent Working

Flexible Hours

Driving licence & vehicle

Education

Social Work degree / SW England registration

Job description

Fostering Social Worker | Hampshire County Council

Location: Alton, East Hampshire
Rate: Up to £38 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract: Locum / Temporary
Driving Licence & Business Insurance Essential

Caritas Recruitment is currently supporting Hampshire County Council in the recruitment of an experienced Fostering Social Worker to join their East Hampshire team.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with fostering families, helping to provide safe, stable and nurturing homes for children and young people. You will play a key role in supporting foster carers, promoting positive outcomes for children, and ensuring fostering households continue to meet regulatory standards.

About the Role

As a Fostering Social Worker, you will:

• Provide supervision and support to foster carers in line with the Fostering Regulations 2011
• Ensure foster carers continue to meet National Minimum Standards for Fostering
• Support carers with training and professional development
• Work closely with the Placement Commissioning Team to identify suitable matches for children requiring placements
• Assist in sourcing both planned and emergency foster placements
• Participate in duty responsibilities, including responding to urgent situations and supporting carers during times of crisis
• Attend team meetings, case discussions and supervision sessions
• Promote safeguarding and ensure all child protection procedures are adhered to

What We're Looking For

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England
• Experience within Fostering, Children's Social Work or Family Support Services
• Strong assessment, relationship-building and safeguarding skills
• Ability to work independently across a large geographical area
• Flexible approach, including occasional work outside standard office hours when required
• Driver with access to a vehicle and valid business insurance

What's on Offer?

• Up to £38 per hour
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• 9-day working fortnight
• Dedicated Personal Assistant support to reduce administrative workload
• Hybrid tablet device to support agile working
• 5 personal development days per year
• Opportunity to access permanent vacancies as they arise
• Supportive management and collaborative team environment

Caritas Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.