Social Worker - Fostering Recruitment

Kirklees Council; Kirklees; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in England is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to join their fostering recruitment team. The role involves leading the recruitment process of foster carers, conducting assessments, and providing training. Qualified Social Workers with experience in children's services are encouraged to apply. This opportunity aims to improve outcomes for children in need through strong community relationships and support for prospective carers.

Benefits

Clear career progression

Positive team dynamics

Regular supervision meetings

Qualifications

• Current Social Work England registration required.
• Experience in fostering or children's services preferred.
• Understanding of relevant legislation such as the Children Act 1989.

Responsibilities

• Lead on recruitment of foster carers.
• Conduct assessments of prospective foster carers.
• Deliver training to applicants.
• Develop recruitment strategies.
• Provide ongoing guidance throughout the assessment process.

Skills

Community engagement

Assessment skills

Communication skills

Analytical writing

Interpersonal skills

Safeguarding knowledge

Flexible approach

Education

Qualified Social Worker

Job description

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiasticSocial Workerto join our dynamic fostering recruitment team. This is a rewarding opportunity to play a vital role in identifying, assessing, and supporting prospective foster carers who can provide safe, loving homes for children in need.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead on the recruitment of foster carers through community engagement, events, and campaigns.
• Complete initial visits and assessments (Form F) of prospective carers.
• Deliver training and preparation groups for applicants.
• Work collaboratively with marketing and communications teams to develop recruitment strategies.
• Build strong relationships with local communities and partner agencies to promote fostering.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to applicants throughout the assessment process.

What We’re Looking For:

• Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration
• Experience in fostering, children’s services, or recruitment is desirable
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, permanence planning, and relevant legislation (e.g., Children Act 1989, Fostering Regulations)
• Experience in completing complex assessments.
• Excellent analytical writing skills and a sensitivity to the complex dynamics of foster care.
• A flexible, strengths-based approach that puts children and families at the centre of practice
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a supportive team
• Passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people

It’s great to work in our team because:

• we all work together to assess and retain carers and achieve better outcomes for children
• there’s lots of opportunity to work together, use your own initiative and learn whilst on the job
• you'll build a positive and supportive relationship with all of your peers
• we have a great sense of team work
• we have a high retention rate of staff
• there’s a clear pathway to progress your career
• you'll have regular reflective supervision meetings
• our team members feel that their manager invests in them

Ready to inspire change?

Apply now and help us find the foster carers of the future.

The interviews are expected to take place:Monday 8th and Tuesday 9th September 2025.