Social Worker

Dorset Council UK; Dorchester; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorset Council in Dorset is seeking a dedicated Kinship Support Team Social Worker to join our Kinship Fostering Team. You will manage a caseload of Kinship Foster Carers and Special Guardians and provide supervision and support across Dorset and out of county.

As a qualified social worker (Social Work England registered) with a clean DBS and a driving licence, you will conduct fostering reviews, ensure statutory compliance, and promote best practice within a therapeutic framework while working

Qualifications

• Must be a qualified social worker, registered with Social Work England.
• Enhanced DBS check completed.
• Full, clean driving licence and ability to travel across Dorset.
• Sound understanding of child care legislation and safeguarding practice.
• Strong organisational and communication skills and ability to produce detailed written reports.
• Ability to create an environment where social work practice can flourish and carers feel supported.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of Kinship Foster Carers and Special Guardians across Dorset and out of county, providing supervision and support.
• Undertake fostering reviews and ensure compliance with statutory requirements and National Minimum Standards.
• Contribute to quality assurance and safeguarding processes.
• Offer guidance to Kinship Foster Carers and Special Guardians, promoting best practice and a therapeutic approach.
• Work flexibly, including hybrid work (working from home and in the office).

Skills

ASYE year completed

Social Work England registration

DBS check

Driving licence

Travel across Dorset

Child care legislation

Safeguarding

Organisational skills

Written reporting

Communication skills

Education

Social Work qualification

ASYE completion

Job description

We are seeking a passionate and committed Fostering Social Workers to join Dorset Council’s Kinship Fostering Team.

Full Time Position 37 hours per week - Kinship Support £35, 412 - £41, 771

To apply, you must have completed your ASYE year as a minimum requirement (Level 2 Social Worker and above)

You will receive regular supervision, access to high-quality training, and ongoing professional development opportunities. This includes support from advanced practitioners, induction programmes, and Dorset’s Social Work Academy. Our service is committed to a therapeutic approach and is implementing the Mockingbird Family Model, giving you the opportunity to work closely with carers within constellations.

We offer a generous training package which includes Level 1and Level 2 DDP training, in an established, experienced and inclusive team where you will be well supported and encouraged to develop your skills in a warm and friendly environment.

By joining us, you will play a key role in ensuring that children cared for by Dorset Council remain close to their families and communities and receive excellent care from well-supported Kinship Foster Carers and Special Guardians.

As a Kinship Support Team Social Worker, You Will

• Manage a caseload of Kinship Foster Carers and Special Guardians across Dorset and out of county, providing supervision and support.
• Undertake fostering reviews and ensure compliance with statutory requirements and National Minimum Standards.
• Contribute to quality assurance and our safeguarding processes.
• Offer guidance to our Kinship Foster Carers and Special Guardians, promoting best practice and a therapeutic approach.
• Work flexibly, including hybrid work (working from home and in the office).

We are looking for a dedicated and dependable professional who

• Is a qualified social worker, registered with Social Work England
• Holds a clear enhanced DBS check.
• Has a full, clean driving licence and the ability to travel across Dorset and wider when necessary.
• Has a sound understanding of child care legislation and safeguarding practice.
• Demonstrates strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and produce detailed written reports.
• Can create an environment where social work practice can flourish and where carers feel supported and valued.

Desirable Experience

• Minimum three years post-qualification experience desirable.
• Has experience working with foster carers in a statutory social care setting.