Social Worker - Fostering

East Midlands Councils/East Midlands Jobs; Buxton; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accelerated pay progression

Training opportunities

DBS fee covered

SW England registration fee covered

Flexi time

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Derbyshire County Council is seeking a qualified Social Worker to supervise and support Foster Carers across Derbyshire, based in Buxton. You will contribute to developing the service, completing annual Foster Carer reviews, and working with a rota for Fostering duty.

The role requires strong assessment and communication skills, with opportunities for reflective supervision, mentoring, and progression within Derbyshire’s fostering team.

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker with registration (Social Work England) and ability to supervise Foster Carers.
• Strong assessment and analytical skills with written and verbal communication.
• Experience or understanding of fostering services and child welfare systems.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and support approved Foster Carers in line with National Minimum Standards.
• Contribute to Foster Carer reviews and attend Foster Panel.
• Facilitate Foster Carer support groups and participate in Fostering duty rota.
• Collaborate with Children’s Social Workers and other professionals to achieve good outcomes.

Skills

Assessment skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Job description

Social Worker – Fostering Supervising Social Worker

Make a real positive difference in the lives of children and families – Apply to become a Fostering Social Worker in Derbyshire!

Derbyshire is a large authority divided into six localities: Amber Valley, Chesterfield, Erewash, High Peak (Buxton, Glossop, New Mills, and Matlock), Bolsover and North-East, and South Derbyshire. Our Fostering Service operates across High Peak, South Derbyshire, North East Derbyshire & Chesterfield.

A new and exciting opportunity has arisen for a qualified Social Worker to join Derbyshire’s Fostering Team. In this role you will contribute to the supervision and support of approved Foster Carers. You will also contribute to the ongoing development of the team, fostering service and Derbyshire’s commitment to achieving good outcomes for children.

This position will involve the regular supervision and support of approved Foster Carers in line with the Fostering National Minimum Standards and Statutory Guidance (2011) - The role will also include joint and collaborative working with children’s Social Workers and other professionals, completing annual Foster Carer reviews, attending Foster Panel, facilitating regular Foster Carer support groups, and being on a rota for Fostering duty

The successful applicant will be supported through monthly reflective case supervision and if needed matched with a mentor in the team. Experience of supporting Foster Carers previously is desirable but not essential as is an understanding of the national and local issues and dilemma’s facing Foster Carers – The successful applicant will need to evidence strong assessment and analytical skills and excellent communication skills both written and verbal.

The position is based in Buxton.The flexibility to cover other areas in Derbyshire and out of County is needed from time to time

Derbyshire County Council is ambitious and innovative, offering support to both newly qualified and experienced social workers. We provide a nurturing environment with excellent progression opportunities. Our vision is to inspire and empower children, young people, and their families to be the best they can be.

Join a workforce where 94% of staff in Children’s Social Work are proud to work for Derbyshire County Council, according to our Annual Employee Survey 2022.

What can you expect from us?

We value your hard work and commitment, offering a comprehensive package that includes:

• Accelerated pay progression
• Access to training and development opportunities
• Systemic training equivalent to a Post Graduate Certificate
• Excellent supervision and a supportive peer network
• Effective leadership and management
• Career progression and formal qualifications opportunities
• Diverse range of cases for a rewarding career
• Covered DBS fee and Social Work England registration fee reimbursement

Enjoy being a part of our team with benefits such as:

• Flexi time, allowing up to an additional 2 days of leave per month
• Derbyshire Rewards - Discounts from high street retailers and more
• Generous annual leave and flexi time scheme
• Travel expenses
• Discounts on leisure centre memberships
• Free car parking at most sites
• In-house counselling service
• Occupational Health service
• Access to sessions with a trained physiotherapist
• Cycle to work scheme

Make a real positive difference in the lives of children and families – join Derbyshire County Council today!