Permanence Social Worker — Home Finding & Matching Team

Kirklees Council; Huddersfield; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Kirklees Council seeks an experienced Social Worker for its Home Finding and Permanence Service to identify long-term foster homes for looked after children. You will lead on matching, work with internal teams and IFAs, and ensure safe, stable placements with a focus on permanence and a child-centred approach.

You will build strong multi-agency relationships, prepare high-quality reports, and advocate for the best outcomes for children and families in care, while developing specialist skills in

Qualifications

• Experience with looked after children and permanence planning.
• Ability to evidence professional judgement.
• Strong analytical and report writing skills.
• Child-centred practice and commitment to permanence for children.

Responsibilities

• Proactively search for and identify foster carers, internally and via IFAs.
• Build strong working relationships with Supervising Social Workers and external providers.
• Lead matching for children with careful consideration of needs and long-term outcomes.
• Convene and facilitate matching meetings with key professionals.
• Prepare and present matching reports that evidence why a home is right for a child.
• Maintain focus on permanence, stability and best outcomes.

Skills

Social Work

Permanence planning

Multi-agency working

Report writing

Education

Social Work degree

Tools

Child protection database

Job description

Kirklees Council seeks an experienced Social Worker for its Home Finding and Permanence Service to identify long-term foster homes for looked after children. You will lead on matching, work with internal teams and IFAs, and ensure safe, stable placements with a focus on permanence and a child-centred approach.

You will build strong multi-agency relationships, prepare high-quality reports, and advocate for the best outcomes for children and families in care, while developing specialist skills in