Social Worker - Fostering Recruitment and Assessment

Tripod Executive; Chatham; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job description

Job Introduction

Medway is Ofsted rated Good Local Authority, and we are looking for an experienced Fostering Assessor who has good knowledge and experience of working within fostering service and completing robust form assessments, knowledge of Private Fostering and Supported Homes Scheme.

Please apply if you have a sound knowledge of Fostering Recruitment and some experience of Private Fostering cases. We are looking for candidates with an innovative approach with technical knowledge of fostering regulations and standards. If you think you can bring the enthusiasm, zest and a positive approach then this job is for you, apply.

Start Date: As soon as possible, after successful compliance completion.

The successful candidate will be the initial point of contact for any prospective enquirer or foster carer; meaning their ability to deliver an excellent ‘first impression’ is vital. Their experience, understanding and insight into the needs of children in care will support their undertaking of Initial Enquiries and Registration of Interests, whilst providing the prospective foster carer with factual information about fostering and the process, as well as offering guidance and advice as to their individual circumstances in relation to the impact of fostering.

You will be responsible for ‘duty’ and ensuring all enquiries are responded to within timescales, undertaking home visits and completing good quality Form F assessments. You will also support the line manager with the monitoring of enquiries, applications and the Stage 1 process.

About You

• You will hold a degree in Social Work - CQSW, DipSW or equivalent and be registered with Social Work England.
• Demonstrable post qualifying experience of working with children and families.
• A driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes is essential.

Our offer to you

• In addition to the annual salary, we are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including:
• Salary - £38,746 to £41,956 per annum or experienced social worker £41,957 to £45,829 per annum.
• Market Allowance - social worker/experienced social worker £3,000 per annum (paid monthly in 12 equal payments).
• Retention Payment - £2,000 per annum (paid in April following 2 years’ service with Medway Council).
• Essential Car User allowance or access to a lease car.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Generous local government pension scheme package.
• Access to wider training and development qualifications.
• Flexible working scheme.
• Travel plan discounts.
• Access to CAREFIRST advice & counselling service.
• Employee discount scheme for national and local retailers.
• Hybrid working style - can work from home or in the office.

Our Organisation

Medway is a unitary authority in the Southeast of England, made up of the towns of Strood, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham and Rainham and more rural areas, including the Hoo Peninsula.

Situated in Kent in the South-East of England, the area has plenty of green spaces, excellent facilities and easy access to the national motorway and rail networks, facilitating superb transport links to London.

We provide all local Government services for a quarter of a million people, looking after education, environment, social care, housing, planning, business and much more - everything from frontline services such as rubbish collection and events like the Dickens Festival to work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure services in Medway run smoothly and cost effectively.

Working at Medway Council means that you get to be part of this journey working alongside talented, professional colleagues to drive forward change to transform the lives of our residents and the communities they live in.