Lead Social Worker, Fostering & Children's Services

ISP; Sutton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days' annual leave, rising to 35

Company pension

Life Assurance

Employee Discount Scheme

Job summary

ISP is seeking a Principal Social Worker in Sutton to lead the foster care service, reporting to the Registered Manager and guiding the team to deliver high-quality care.

The role requires a recognised social work qualification, current Social Work England registration, and post-qualifying supervisory experience. You will supervise staff, engage with Foster Parents, ensure safeguarding, and comply with regulatory requirements across ISP services.

Qualifications

• Hold a recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
• Post-qualifying and supervisory experience as a social worker.
• Experience of fostering and children and families social work.
• Experience in supervising staff is desirable.
• Able to challenge effectively and engage others while promoting teamwork.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation in fostering and children’s services; safeguarding of children.
• Full driving licence with access to a vehicle for work purposes.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day operational support to the Registered Manager to oversee all staff delivering services to foster children.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements in daily operations.
• Undertake supervision and performance reviews of staff.
• Collaborate with Foster Parents to leverage their expertise for high-quality care.
• Support ISP’s trauma-informed practice and broaden service expertise.
• Build positive relationships within the Polaris Community and with external partners to improve service quality.
• Develop relationships with external partners to address childcare and service issues.
• Contribute to ISP’s development plans and participate in governance activities.
• Manage a caseload of Foster Parents when required and deputise for the Registered Manager as needed.

Skills

Leadership experience

Staff supervision

Stakeholder engagement

Engagement with Foster Parents

Driving licence

Education

Social Work qualification

Social Work England registration

Job description

ISP is seeking a Principal Social Worker in Sutton to lead the foster care service, reporting to the Registered Manager and guiding the team to deliver high-quality care.

The role requires a recognised social work qualification, current Social Work England registration, and post-qualifying supervisory experience. You will supervise staff, engage with Foster Parents, ensure safeguarding, and comply with regulatory requirements across ISP services.