Practice Supervisor - Fostering Team

Lincolnshire pa.; Quarrington; Hybrid; GBP 49,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible working policies

Career progression opportunities

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Lincolnshire County Council is seeking a Practice Supervisor within our Fostering Service to lead and supervise social workers who assess and support foster carers. You will ensure high-quality assessments and documentation, while upholding safeguarding standards.

The role supports hybrid working, with a collaborative team and opportunities for professional growth across children’s services, partnered agencies, and restorative practice in safeguarding children.

Qualifications

• Social Work England registered practitioner.
• Experience supporting or supervising children’s service staff.
• Significant social work experience with knowledge of relevant legislation.
• Strong commitment to social work values and practice.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the social workers’ assessment, support, and supervision of foster carers.
• Quality assure a range of social work assessments and documentation within deadlines.
• Demonstrate safeguarding policy understanding and ensure procedures are followed.
• Provide staff with regular and reflective supervision.
• Support recruitment strategy and attend events for prospective foster carers.
• Support retention strategies for foster carers.
• Apply knowledge of The Fostering Services Regulations & National Standards (2011).
• Collaborate across children’s services and with multi-agency professionals.
• Promote restorative practice and child-centred approaches.

Skills

Excellent communication

Team leadership

IT literacy

MS Office & Mosaic

Tools

Microsoft Office

Mosaic

Job description

Practice Supervisor - Fostering Team

Salary: £48,738 - £54,143

Location: Sleaford/Lincoln

Closing Date: 23rd November 2026

Interview Date: 10th December 2026

About the role

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

About 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.

Why Join Us?

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.

About Our Offer

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

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.

What Next?

Please note that this position is subject to a criminal record check.

All candidates are advised to read the attached job information pack prior to making an application.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward.

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Smarter Working Employer

We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. You will be given a nominated contractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary. Working arrangements regarding hybrid working will be discussed as part of the appointment process.

Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.

Fluency Duty 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.

Our values – collaborative, adaptable, eco-conscious, supportive, and responsible – guide everything we do. We’re looking for candidates who share these values and bring them to life in their work, helping us build strong teams and make a real difference in the communities we serve.