Senior Practitioner

Opus People Solutions Ltd; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A reputable recruitment agency is seeking a Senior Practitioner to join their Fostering Team in the South East of England. This role involves leading the recruitment, assessment, and support of foster carers, ensuring compliance with regulations. Candidates should be a qualified Social Worker with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in fostering, possess knowledge of relevant regulations, and have a valid driving licence. This position offers a hybrid working model, requiring three days in the office.

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Minimum 3 years of post-qualifying experience.
• Knowledge of Fostering Regulations and National Minimum Standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide regular support to foster carers.
• Facilitate training and support groups for foster carers.
• Complete foster carer annual reviews and ensure compliance.
• Maintain accurate records and improve professional practice.
• Contribute to staff meetings and liaise with multi-agency partners.

Skills

Qualified Social Worker (registered with Social Work England)

Relevant fostering experience

Good knowledge of Fostering Regulations and National Minimum Standards

3 Years of post qualifying experience

Driving licence is required

Job description

Overview

Opus people solutions on behalf of our Client in the South East of England have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Practitioner to join their Fostering Team

Job Title: Senior Practitioner
Length of assignment: 3 Months
Hours per week: 37
Hourly rate: £40
Location: South East of England
Remote/Office based: Hybrid - 3 days per week in the office

About the role

The Senior Practitioner in Fostering leads in the recruitment, assessment, supervision, and ongoing support of foster carers — both mainstream and kinship — plus related legal or regulatory work

They work to ensure that the fostering service complies with the statutory framework (Fostering Regulations, National Minimum Standards), deliver high quality support, and help foster carers develop skills, while also ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of children in care

Key Responsibilities

• Providing regular support to foster carers (mainstream & kinship), helping them with professional meetings, supervising their work and supporting them through their fostering journey.
• Facilitating or organising training, events, and support groups for foster carers to build their skills and knowledge.
• Being part of the duty service so that new placements can be matched for children, as well as handling enquiries from foster carers.
• Completing foster carer annual reviews, ensuring compliance with fostering regulations and standards, and presenting to Fostering Panel if required.
• Maintaining accurate records; using reflective practice, audits or other development tools to improve the professional standard of practice in fostering.
• Contributing to staff meetings; working with colleagues (other senior practitioners, deputy managers, operations managers) to develop/shape the fostering service. Liaising with multi‑agency partners when necessary.

Skills / Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker (registered with Social Work England)
• Relevant fostering experience
• Good knowledge of Fostering Regulations and National Minimum Standards.
• 3 Years of post qualifying experience
• Driving licence is required.

If you thrive to make a difference and have 3 years Social worker experience and this is the role for you, then we would love to hear from you.