Private Fostering Social Worker

Lancashire County Council; Lancashire; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancashire County Council is seeking a Private Fostering Social Worker (Grade 8) for a permanent, full-time role based in Preston with predominantly remote work. The post requires driving to travel across Lancashire.

The role involves assessing private fostering arrangements, visiting homes, and working with children, families, and partner agencies. The successful candidate will join a supportive team focused on safeguarding, with opportunities for professional development, ASYE support for

Responsibilities

• Conduct joint assessment visits.
• Complete full private fostering assessments.
• Perform statutory visits to children in private fostering homes.
• Collaborate with colleagues in children’s social care, education, health, and the Police.

Skills

Social work

Communication

Collaboration

Supportive demeanor

Job description

Job Description

| Salary £37,563 to £42,123, Per annum | Permanent, Full Time, 37 hours per week |

We have a fantastic social worker opportunity available that might be perfect for you: Private Fostering Social Worker (Grade 8) - Permanent Position – Full-Time (starting December 2026)

As a Private Fostering Social Worker, you will:

• Conduct joint assessment visits.
• Complete full private fostering assessments.
• Perform statutory visits to children in private fostering homes.
• Collaborate with colleagues in children’s social care, education, health, and the Police.

Whilst our base is County Hall, Preston, most of our work is done remotely. Successful candidates must be able to travel throughout Lancashire, so a driving licence and access to a car are essential.

Our Values – What Matters To Us

• Putting children, young people, and families at the heart of every decision.
• Making sure families are genuinely involved, whether the decision is big or small.
• Working together to continually shape and improve the support we offer.
• Building meaningful relationships and effective partnerships across services.
• Removing barriers so children and families can access the opportunities they deserve.
• Moving towards a fully trauma-informed workforce so we can better support children who have experienced adversity.

What You Can Expect When You Join Us

• Supportive, stable leadership: Our permanent management team is approachable and committed to helping you grow—whatever stage of your social work career you’re at.
• Clear career progression: We take pride in supporting development and celebrating strengths.
• Outstanding support for newly qualified social workers: From bite-size learning events and development sessions to ASYE groups, mentoring, and a dedicated Social Work Academy, you’ll never feel alone in your learning journey.
• A strong team culture: You’ll join a team of up to 24 social workers and be fully involved in team meetings, reflective sessions, and wellbeing events.
• Competitive salary: We’re happy to discuss salary at interview, basing our offer on your knowledge, experience, and skills.
• Employee wellbeing support: All LCC staff can access our free Employee Assistance Programme for counselling and advice on personal, family, or workplace matters.

Who We’re Looking For

We’d love to hear from social workers who share our values and want to make a real difference. You’ll be someone who is:

• Supportive – You understand how powerful it is when carers feel truly supported, and you’re committed to helping children feel safe, happy, and loved.
• Innovative – You enjoy exploring new ideas and contributing to initiatives that help us continually improve what we offer.
• Respectful – You recognise the diverse needs of our children, carers, and colleagues, and your practice is inclusive and anti-discriminatory.
• Collaborative – You value partnership working and want to play an active role in shaping the future of our fostering service.

What Did Ofsted Say About Us?

"Children who are privately fostered benefit from timely referrals and well-informed assessments. Workers undertake the necessary checks and provide thorough analysis about their care. Children living in these arrangements are regularly visited to monitor the continuing suitability of the arrangements."

Interested?

If you’re passionate about relationship-building, committed to achieving positive outcomes, and want to be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team, we’d love to speak with you.

Interviews 13 November 2026

The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013) . If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a 'disclosure'. Further information can be found on the 'Our Recruitment Process' tab.

In return Lancashire County Council offers a range of benefits, which can be found on LCC Vacancies website.

We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications.