Social Worker Children & Families

Belmont Recruitment; Carisbrooke; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Isle of Wight Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker in the Children & Families (Fostering) service to support foster carers and looked-after children on the Isle of Wight. The role focuses on safeguarding, placement stability and ensuring high standards of care.

Responsibilities include supervising carers, preparing assessments and reports, and presenting at Fostering Panel. Immediate start or short notice preferred, 37 hours weekly, £31.50 per hour.

Qualifications

• Recognised social work qualification (degree or equivalent).
• Current Social Work England registration.
• Significant post-qualifying experience in Children’s Social Care.
• Proven experience in fostering, looked-after children or children in need services.
• Experience assessing and supervising foster carers (mainstream or kinship).
• Strong knowledge of fostering legislation, regulations and statutory guidance.
• Excellent assessment, analytical, report-writing and safeguarding skills.
• Enhanced DBS clearance required.
• Must have the right to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Assess foster carers' support needs and tailor care for children.
• Supervise mainstream and kinship foster carers to maintain safe placements.
• Ensure compliance with Fostering Regulations and National Minimum Standards.
• Monitor household checks, including DBS clearances, health assessments and safer caring policies.
• Work with placement teams and children's social workers to identify suitable foster placements.
• Prepare high-quality assessments, annual reviews and professional reports.
• Attend Fostering Panel meetings to present reviews and relevant reports.
• Promote safeguarding, placement stability and positive outcomes for looked-after children.

Skills

Assessment

Safeguarding

Report writing

Communicating with carers

Education

Social Work degree/DipSW/CQSW

Job description

Social Worker - Children & Families (Fostering)

Location: County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UD

Pay Rate: £31.50 per hour

Hours: 37 hours per week

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday

Contract: On-Going

Start: Immediate start or short notice preferred

Are you an experienced Children's Social Worker with a background in fostering and supporting vulnerable children and families?

We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Social Worker to join the Children & Families service at the Isle of Wight Council, supporting foster carers to provide safe, stable and nurturing homes for children in care.

This is an excellent opportunity for a social work professional with fostering experience who is passionate about safeguarding children, strengthening foster placements and ensuring the highest standards of care.

Key responsibilities

• Assess foster carers' support needs and ensure children receive appropriate care tailored to their individual needs.
• Supervise and support mainstream and kinship foster carers to maintain safe, nurturing placements.
• Ensure compliance with Fostering Regulations and National Minimum Standards.
• Monitor household checks, including DBS clearances, health assessments and safer caring policies.
• Work closely with placement teams and children's social workers to identify suitable foster placements.
• Prepare high-quality assessments, annual reviews and professional reports.
• Attend Fostering Panel meetings to present reviews, variations and relevant reports.
• Promote safeguarding, placement stability and positive outcomes for looked-after children.

Essential requirements

• Recognised Social Work qualification, such as a Social Work degree, DipSW or CQSW.
• Current Social Work England registration.
• Significant post-qualifying experience in Children's Social Care.
• Proven experience in fostering, looked-after children or children in need services.
• Experience assessing and supervising foster carers, including mainstream or kinship carers.
• Strong knowledge of fostering legislation, regulations and statutory guidance.
• Excellent assessment, analytical, report-writing and safeguarding skills.
• Enhanced DBS clearance required.
• Must have the right to work in the UK.

Make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and foster families by helping create safe, stable and supportive homes.

Please note: Immediate availability or the ability to start at short notice is preferred