Social Worker

FOSTERING INNOVATIONS LIMITED; Slough; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Fostering Innovations Limited is seeking a Supervising Social Worker to act as the link between foster carers and looked after children, ensuring care plans are implemented and supported. You will liaise with placing authorities, manage a caseload, and participate in matching and assessments.

You will lead annual carer reviews, contribute to training and development, and maintain GDPR-compliant records while upholding organisational policies and safeguarding standards.

Qualifications

• Be familiar with safeguarding procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Experience in fostering services and working with looked after children is desirable.
• Strong record-keeping and data management skills in line with GDPR.

Responsibilities

• Act as a link worker for Foster Carers and looked after children to coordinate support.
• Liaise with placing authorities and professional services to ensure care plans are followed.
• Undertake annual foster carer reviews and present to the fostering panel.
• Manage a caseload of approved and registered foster carers and provide day-to-day support.
• Contribute to matching, assessments, and development activities for carers.
• Maintain accurate records and comply with policies and data protection requirements.

Job description

Job Description – Supervising Social Worker

As Supervising Social Worker (SSW), you will be responsible for acting as a link worker for Foster Carers and looked after children. The role of SSW is a key position that brings together the needs of looked after children and young people, the support and management of foster carers, liaison with the placing authority and the administration and delivery of the service.

Responsibilities and Job specifics

As Supervising Social Worker, you will be responsible for:

Delivery

• Liaising appropriately with placing authorities and other professional services to ensure a child's care plan is followed through
• Undertake annual foster carer reviews and take these to the fostering panel in accordance with policies and procedures
• Manage a caseload of approved and registered foster carers
• Provide day to day support for foster carers
• Participate in the matching process for potential foster carers
• Conduct assessments of prospective foster carers using the BAAF Form F1 competency based assessment
• Assist with fostering events e.g. promotion days, etc.

Quality

• Provide placement reports on a frequency in line with Fostering Innovations practise and agreed with the placing authority
• Participate in gathering evidence for the Training Support and Development Standards
• Operate at all times according to Fostering Innovations policies and procedures
• Keep appropriate records of all work undertaken and in accordance with regulations and Fostering Innovations policy
• Maintain data management of all information regarding foster carers and referrals in line with GDPR, Data Protection and Fostering Innovations policies; storage, retention, archive, and access to information
• Attend supervision, team meetings and staff days
• Obtain and review feedback from foster carers regularly
• Set a good example in terms of dress, punctuality and attendance
• Be proactive in matters relating to health and safety and child protection
• Report any concerns to Fostering Manager.

Development

• Assist with the development and delivery of ongoing training for foster carers
• Participate in carers team meetings and workshops
• Contribute to the strategic business development of the venture to facilitate the organisations operational growth and position
• Seek to improve the service provision within the venture
• Continue in your own professional development
• Fully participate in creative meetings and discussions towards development
• Support the training team in implementing any agreed developments
• Respond to team and organisational developments as required
• Develop and maintain relationships with foster carers, placing authorities, social services and other professional organisations as required

Finance

• Be familiar with funding streams as required
• Be economical with resources to improve financial impact of your
• department e.g. photocopying, printing, etc.
• Ensure all expenses are authorised by the Fostering and Care Manager
• Comply with the finance policy in relation to petty cash and staff expense procedure