Social Worker

Medway Council; Queenborough; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in United Kingdom is seeking a qualified Social Worker for its Fostering Support & Development Team. The role involves providing analytical skills, supporting foster carers, and working collaboratively with multi-agency partners. Key benefits include hybrid working, strong peer support, and investment in training and professional development. Applicants should have a recognised social work qualification and experience in Children's Social Care, ideally in fostering services.

Benefits

Supportive management

Investment in training and development

Hybrid working arrangements

Qualifications

• Post-qualifying experience within Children's Social Care, ideally with fostering, looked-after children or permanence services.
• Strong assessment and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide high‑quality analytical and report‑writing skills.
• Work confidently with foster carers, children and multi‑agency partners.
• Support foster carers to meet the needs of children and young people in placement.

Skills

Analytical skills

Report writing

Relationship-based practice

Problem solving

Education

Recognised social work qualification

Social Work England registration

Job description

Social Worker – Fostering Support & Development Team (Permanent)
Location: Medway Council (Hybrid working available)
Salary: £38,476 – £41,956 + market supplements (dependent on experience)
Contract: Permanent

Role

• Provide high‑quality analytical and report‑writing skills.
• Work confidently with foster carers, children and multi‑agency partners.
• Adopt a relationship‑based, supportive and strengths‑led approach to practice.
• Undertake fostering assessments, reviews, and development work in line with regulations and best practice.
• Support foster carers to meet the needs of children and young people in placement, including those with complex needs.
• Contribute to placement stability through timely intervention, support planning and problem‑solving.
• Work closely with children's social workers, commissioning teams and partner agencies to achieve positive placement outcomes.
• Prepare clear, analytical reports for fostering panels, reviews and decision‑making forums.
• Promote reflective practice and ongoing professional development for foster carers.

Why Medway Council?

Medway’s fostering service places relationship‑based practice at the heart of its work, valuing professional judgement, reflective practice and strong support for both foster carers and social workers. Key benefits include:

• Supportive management, regular reflective supervision and strong peer support.
• Investment in training, development and career progression.
• Hybrid working arrangements supporting work‑life balance.

About You

• Recognised social work qualification and current Social Work England registration.
• Post‑qualifying experience within Children's Social Care, ideally with fostering, looked‑after children or permanence services.
• Strong assessment and analytical skills.