Senior Practitioner

Schools’ Choice; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fostering agency in the South East of England is seeking a Senior Practitioner to lead the recruitment and support of foster carers. The role involves ensuring compliance with fostering regulations, organizing training for carers, and providing ongoing supervision. Ideal candidates will have a Social Work qualification and relevant fostering experience. This position offers a hybrid working model of 3 days in the office.

Qualifications

• Must be a qualified social worker registered with Social Work England.
• 3 years of experience in social work required.
• Experience and knowledge in fostering regulations and standards are essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide regular support to foster carers during their journey.
• Organise training and support groups for foster carers.
• Complete foster carer annual reviews for compliance.
• Maintain accurate records and facilitate audits.

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

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), delivers high quality support, and helps 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

• 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.