Social Worker (Fostering) - 37 Hours

TORBAY COUNCIL; Torquay; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package up to £11,000

Golden Hello £1,500

Annual retention payment up to £1,500

Market supplement up to £929

Job summary

Torbay Council is seeking a Social Worker (Fostering) to join the team and deliver fostering and kinship assessments, annual reviews and supervision visits. You will help develop safer caring plans, undertake risk assessments and collaborate with partner agencies to safeguard children.

With a market supplement and relocation incentives, the role supports experienced professionals in a dynamic, coast-side authority renowned for stable workloads and strong development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to demonstrate mediation, negotiation and problem solving.
• Able to assess situations with clarity and sensitivity and act professionally in crisis situations.
• Ability to implement anti-discriminatory practice in all areas of work.
• Ability to mentor others that upholds and promotes the ethical principles and values that guide professional practice and thereby ensures compliance with policies.

Responsibilities

• Undertake fostering and kinship assessments.
• Complete fostering annual reviews.
• Complete fostering supervision visits.
• Contribute to delivering fostering training and support groups.
• Develop safer caring plans and undertake risk assessments.
• Work closely with partner agencies to safeguard children and create lasting change.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Mediation & negotiation

Crisis management

Anti-discriminatory practice

Mentoring & ethics

Education

Social Work degree

Registration with Social Work England

CPD commitment

Job description

Social Worker (Fostering) - 37 Hours

Application Deadline: 15 November 2026

Department: Childrens Services

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Torbay Council

Reporting To: Team Manager

Compensation: £41,403 - £44,188 / year

Description

The full time equivalent salary of £41,403 to £44,188 includes an amount for a market supplement ranging from £959 to £1,039 per year. This market supplement is reviewed annually.

Up to £11,000 Relocation Package | Up to £1,500 Golden Hello | Up to £1,500 Annual Retention Payment (some of these figures are subject to a successful probationary period).

Looking for a role where you can make a real difference and feel valued for the work you do?

Following our recent GOOD Ofsted rating, we’re looking for experienced Social Workers to join our Fostering Team and help us achieve the best outcomes for children and families across Torbay.

You will work with foster families and kinship foster families’ carers, children & young people. You’ll undertake fostering and kinship assessments, complete fostering annual reviews, complete fostering supervision visits, contribute to delivering fostering training and support groups, develop safer caring plans, undertake risk assessments, and work closely with partner agencies to safeguard children and create lasting change.

Why Torbay?

• Relationship-based, restorative practice.
• Supportive, reflective supervision.
• Manageable workloads.
• Strong learning and development offer.
• Clear career progression opportunities.
• Collaborative and experienced leadership team.

About You

• A qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• ASYE completed.
• Experienced in child protection, safeguarding or court work (minimum 2 years post-qualification).
• Confident working within statutory frameworks and managing risk.
• Passionate about improving outcomes for children and families.

What We Offer (subject to T's & C's)

• Relocation package up to £11,000.
• £1,500 Golden Hello.
• Annual retention payments up to £1,500.
• Market Supplement of up to £929.
• Student loan repayment support.
• Professional subscription support.
• Discounts with over 750 retailers.
• Subsidised parking.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Health Cash Plan.Financial wellbeing support.
• And much more.

Live and Work by the Coast

Torbay, the English Riviera, combines award-winning beaches, stunning coastline and a fantastic quality of life with affordable housing and excellent transport links.

This post will be carrying out Regulated Activity. As such the post will require an Enhanced Criminal Record Check plus an additional Barred List Check. The check will reveal any spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions (which have not been filtered), any local Police information and a check of either the Adult, Child or Adult and Child Barred Lists.

Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 23rd November 2026.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

At times there is a need to close our adverts earlier than the date specified, however, this advert will not close before 6th November.

Skills

Essential:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to demonstrate skills in mediation, negotiation and problem solving.
• Able to assess situations with clarity and sensitivity and act professionally in crisis situations.
• Ability to implement anti-discriminatory practice in all areas of work.
• Ability to mentor others that upholds and promotes the ethical principles and values that guide professional practice and thereby ensures compliance with policies.

This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.

Knowledge

Essential:

• Good understanding of the full range of activities delivered by the Authority and partners in relation to children, young people and families.
• Has a developed knowledge of Social Care policies and procedures, Fostering National Minimum Standards and Fostering Regulations and makes themselves continually aware of new Child Care legislation and National Guidance.
• Awareness of effective management practices.
• Thorough understanding of current legislation and guidance and developments in services to children young people and families.
• Demonstrates an advanced and detailed knowledge of child development, attachment theory, anti-discriminatory practice, the framework for assessment of children in need and their families, social work theory and methods.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential:

• Social Work degree qualification, e.g., Dip SW, CQSW, CSS or equivalent.
• Membership of Social Work England.
• Commitment to continued professional development.
• Significant post qualification experience of working with children and families in the context of current legislation and government initiatives.
• For Social work professionals, experience of complex Child Protection cases and Court proceedings under the Children’s Act 1989.