Social Worker (Fostering Recruitment and Assessment)

Shared Services Partnership; Burridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority fostering service in the United Kingdom is seeking a Social Worker to guide and support prospective foster carers throughout the assessment process. This role involves building relationships, making safeguarding decisions, and attending recruitment events to promote fostering. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal skills and experience in children's social work. Benefits include flexible working and a comprehensive support package.

Benefits

Flexible working

Employee Assistance Programme

Generous annual leave

Occupational sick pay

Local Government Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Must have the right to work in the UK.
• Current drivers' licence and access to a vehicle are essential.
• Experience working with foster carers and children in care.

Responsibilities

• Support and guide prospective foster carers from enquiry to assessment.
• Conduct initial screenings, home visits, and assessments.
• Build strong relationships with applicants throughout the process.
• Make safeguarding decisions and collaborate with agencies.
• Engage with the public and attend recruitment events.

Skills

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Report-writing and assessment skills

Understanding of safeguarding frameworks

Experience with multi-agency teams

Job description

As a Social Worker in our Fostering Recruitment and Assessment Team, you'll play a key role in guiding prospective foster carers through their journey – from initial enquiry to full assessment. You'll join a passionate, multi‑disciplinary team committed to expanding Hampshire's fostering community and ensuring that children who cannot live with their own families have the opportunity to thrive in safe, nurturing foster homes. With around 500 fostering households already supporting children across the county, we're looking to expand further to meet rising demand. Your role will be key in helping children stay close to their schools, friends, and families by inspiring and guiding more people to take the step to foster.

Responsibilities

• Support and guide prospective foster carers from their first enquiry, helping them understand the role and encouraging them to take the next step.
• Conduct initial screenings, home visits, and full fostering assessments to determine suitability of applicants.
• Build strong relationships with applicants, supporting them through the assessment journey.
• Make robust safeguarding decisions and work in partnership with other agencies to protect vulnerable individuals.
• Attend recruitment events and engage with the public to raise awareness and challenge misconceptions about fostering.
• Deliver training and support to prospective carers to help them feel confident and prepared for fostering.
• Be a Disability Confident Employer, ensuring that the recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and legislative frameworks underpinning fostering and Children in Care.
• Experience working with foster carers, children in care, and multi‑agency teams.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across teams and with prospective carers.
• Clear and analytical report‑writing and assessment skills, supporting sound, evidence‑based decisions.

Benefits

• Be part of an Outstanding local authority fostering service, making a meaningful difference in children's lives.
• Work in a supportive, collaborative team that values your development.
• Benefit from flexible working, including home working and professional development opportunities.
• Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
• Competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here.

Requirements

Important: You must already have the right to work in the UK. We are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this role. Other job titles you may be searching for: Fostering Social Worker, Children's Social Worker, Family Placement Social Worker, Children in Care Social Worker, Looked After Children Social Worker, Assessing Social Worker.

You will be required to travel to various locations within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and it is essential that you have a current drivers' licence and access to a reliable vehicle on a regular basis.