Practice Supervisor - Fostering Team

Lincolnshire County Council; North Kesteven; Hybrid; GBP 49,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension

Flexible working policies

Career progression opportunities

Generous annual leave entitlement

Job summary

Lincolnshire County Council is seeking a Practice Supervisor for the Fostering Service. You will oversee social workers’ assessments, supervise foster carers, and quality‑assure documentation to meet deadlines while upholding safeguarding standards.

You will lead staff development, support recruitment and retention strategies, and work across children’s services and partners to ensure a child‑centred approach. Hybrid working and ongoing professional development are offered.

Qualifications

• Registered with Social Work England and eligible to practice
• Experience supervising children’s service staff
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and policy application
• Excellent written and analytical skills
• Proven ability to support and develop staff and recruitment strategies

Responsibilities

• Oversee assessment, support, and supervision of foster carers and social workers
• Quality assure assessments and written documentation with deadlines
• Provide regular staff supervision and professional development
• Support recruitment and retention strategies for foster carers
• Lead collaboration across children’s services and multi‑agency partners
• Maintain child-centred practice and restorative approaches

Skills

Leadership

Supervision

Communication

Analytical skills

IT literacy

Education

Social work degree

Tools

Mosaic

Microsoft Office

Job description

As a practice supervisor within our Fostering Service, you will:

• Oversee the social workers' assessment, support, and supervision of foster carers
• Quality assure a range of social work assessments and written documentation, ensuring timeframes and deadlines are prioritised.
• Demonstrate high-level understanding of safeguarding policy and procedures, ensuring that procedures are adhered to.
• Provide staff with regular and reflective supervision
• Support and develop the recruitment strategy and attend recruitment events for prospective foster carers.
• Support and develop the strategy to retain foster carers.
• Apply a strong working knowledge of The Fostering Services Regulations & National Minimum Standards (2011) and other relevant legislation.
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of trauma, loss, separation, and child development.
• Work collaboratively across children's services and with multi-agency professionals, attending key meetings related to the care and wellbeing of children.
• Support practitioners to operate restoratively within complex family situations, maintaining a child-centred approach., This is a unique opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking, innovative authority that is shaping the future of fostering. You'll be supported to develop your leadership skills, build strong relationships, share best practice, and grow professionally in a role that truly makes a difference.
• A balanced workload and a supportive working environment.
• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working.
• Monthly supervision and access to a wide range of training and development opportunities.
• A collaborative team of 2 team managers, 7 practice supervisors and over 25 qualified social workers, alongside placement support workers, child and family officers, and apprentice social workers.
• A dedicated team manager to support you.
  Social Work England registered practitioner.
• Have experience supporting and/ or supervising children's service staff.
• Significant social work experience and an in-depth knowledge of relevant legislation.
• A firm belief in the importance of social work values and practice.
• An excellent communicator who builds strong working relationships with colleagues, families and external agencies.
• Exceptional organisational skills and the ability to work under pressure.
• Excellent written and analytical skills.
• Understand and respond to people's unique needs and aspirations.
• Have professional curiosity.
• Demonstrate good IT literacy and adept at using Microsoft Office applications, as well as mosaic.
• Above all, someone who wants to achieve the best possible result for each and every child., In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
• Along with a competitive salary of £48,738 - £54,143 we are offering:
• A Contributory pension
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Flexible working policies
• Career progression opportunities
• A generous annual leave entitlement plus the option to buy more
• Salary £48,738- £54,143 + 7% attraction and retention payment paid monthly

At Lincolnshire County Council, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. That's why we offer a rewarding package designed to support your work-life balance, health and wellbeing, financial security, and career growth. Find out more about our offer to you in the attached brochure. In return, we're committed to supporting your wellbeing, continuous professional development and career progression. You will have a thorough induction, regular personal and case supervision.