Social Worker - Fostering Kinship

Randstad Staffing; England; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Hereford is seeking a Children's Social Worker for its Kinship team. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in children's social work and will be responsible for assessing and supporting foster carers and guardians. The role offers a competitive salary between £36,363 and £40,777, with additional benefits such as relocation packages and a comprehensive pension scheme.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Contributory pension scheme

Professional development budget

Flexible working options

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Full qualification with SW Degree, DipSW, or equivalent.
• Minimum of 3 years' recent experience in a statutory setting.
• Registered with Social Work England.

Responsibilities

• Assessing Connected/Kinship Foster Carers and potential Special Guardians.
• Supporting individuals to enhance placement quality and stability.
• Conducting complex assessments for Court/Foster Panel.

Skills

Managing challenging situations

Education

BA in social work

Job description

Children's Social Worker - Kinship & Fostering
Contract: Permanent
Location: Hereford
Hours: 37 hours
Salary: £36,363 - £40,777 (plus market supplement of £5,000 per year £41,363 - £45,777)

Relocation package of up to £10,000 available

Welcome payment: £10,000

The role

We would like to welcome a Social Worker with substantial children's social work experience to join our countywide Kinship team. Your role will involve assessing Connected/Kinship Foster Carers and potential Special Guardians, as well as supporting these individuals. Collaborating with colleagues and services your work will enhance placement quality, stability, and support for caregivers.

You should bring prior experience in Children's Services, preferably in Kinship or Fostering, along with expertise in conducting complex assessments for Court/Foster Panel, and a strong background in safeguarding. You must understand regulatory requirements in relation to Kinship care. Excellent assessment skills are essential, with the ability to provide analytical comprehensive reports within set timescales.

Kinship is a specialist team within our broader fostering service, focusing on assessment of connected person foster carers and Special Guardians, and the support and supervision of approved connected foster carers. We also cover private fostering and offer ongoing support to Special Guardians post-order. We are a dedicated team, passionate about improving the lives of our children and young people, and ensuring Kinship carers receive the support and recognition they deserve.

Essentials: You will be fully qualified (SW Degree, DipSW, or equivalent social work qualification), with a minimum of 3 years' recent experience in a statutory setting, preferably within Kinship & Fostering. You must be registered with Social Work England and you must have a full driving licence with access to a car.

Herefordshire is on a journey and we would like you to be part of our next chapter. This is an exciting opportunity to have a genuine impact and help improve and protect the children and young people within the county.

We Offer

• A competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and access to our contributory pension and staff benefits scheme, which includes:
• Basic Salary of 08HC £36,363 - £40,777
• Market rate supplement £5,000 per year
• Welcome payment £10,000 for experienced social workers joining our children's teams
• Relocation packages: support of up to £10,000
• Pension Scheme Enrolment in the Local Government (LGPS)
• Professional development: protected time and budget to support social workers develop themselves and their careers.
• Career progression: clear pathways to progress to senior social worker level
• Generous Annual Leave: 31 days' annual leave plus bank holidays. You can also purchase an additional 10 days per annum
• Flexible working: flexi-time, job-share, part-time hours and, in some instances, home working
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling
• Payment of professional membership fees
• Pick your perks - our benefits include access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits. This includes savings, cash back and discounts.

Come to Herefordshire and join the journey.

Herefordshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children & young people and vulnerable adults. If you are offered this position, it will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced check and further pre-employment checks.

We welcome applicants whatever their personal characteristics or social identity. All requests for flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments will be considered.

How to Apply:

If you are a dedicated and experienced social worker with a passion for securing safe, stable homes for children, please submit your CV along with a concise covering letter outlining your relevant experience and suitability for this role to Fahmida Ahmed at . For an informal discussion regarding the role, please do not hesitate to contact Fahmida Ahmed at 07441 927663.

Randstad Care acts as an employment business when supplying temporary staff and as an employment agency when introducing candidates for permanent employment with a client. Randstad Care is an equal opportunities employer and decisions are made on merits alone.

Did you know that Randstad Care have been awarded a place on the National Clinical Staffing Framework for the NHS? This means we will be able to bring you more opportunities within nursing & midwifery and clinical staffing.

experience

Fostering & Adoption

skills

be able to manage challenging situations

qualifications

university

education

BA in social work