Social Worker – Fostering Recruitment and Assessment Team

Cambridge County Council; Huntingdon; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits for a dedicated Social Worker to join a forward-thinking council in the beautiful Cambridgeshire region. This permanent full-time position involves working within a hybrid model, combining office and home working. You will play a vital role in conducting assessments and supporting potential foster carers, all while contributing to the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. With a strong emphasis on professional development, this role offers a comprehensive wellbeing package and the chance to be part of a supportive and inclusive workplace that values diversity. If you are passionate about making a difference, this role is for you.

Benefits

Wellbeing Package

Protected Time for CPD

Refer a Friend Scheme

Access to Cambridgeshire Academy for Reaching Excellence

Qualifications

• Qualified and registered social worker with assessment skills.
• Experience in Special Guardian and Fostering Form F assessments.

Responsibilities

• Undertake Special Guardian and Connected Person assessments.
• Support applicants through the fostering approval process.
• Conduct Private Fostering Assessments and Regulation 8 visits.

Skills

Assessment Skills

Critical Analysis

Verbal Communication

Written Communication

Court Experience

Education

Registered Social Worker Qualification

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a permanent full-time Social Worker within one of our Cambridgeshire Fostering Recruitment and Assessment Teams. You will have experience in undertaking Special Guardian and Connected Person Assessments, Fostering Form F Assessments, and Private Fostering Assessments.

This is a hybrid role with a mix of office (Scott House, Huntingdon) and home working.

For more information, contact Vanessa Canning, Team Manager, at 07467 337694 or [e-mail]; Jo Laur, Team Manager, at 07717 646463 or [e-mail].

Interviews will be held in person, week commencing 2nd June 2025.

Appointment to this post will be subject to the outcome of an Enhanced Disclosure obtained through the Disclosure and Barring Service. The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Our benefits

• A comprehensive wellbeing package to cover all aspects of wellbeing, both in and out of work, which can also be accessed by your family
• 6 days of protected time each year to support your Continuous Professional Development
• A Refer a Friend Scheme where if you refer another Social Worker who is subsequently employed by us, you'll receive an introduction fee of £350
• Access to our Cambridgeshire Academy for Reaching Excellence (CARE) to support your development and help you become the best practitioner you can be

For more information and to see our other benefits, please see the attached benefits brochure.

What will you be doing?

You will undertake Special Guardian and Connected Person assessments, support plans, and supervise temporary Connected Person Foster Carers as appropriate.

You will undertake Fostering Form F assessments for applicants wanting to become Foster carers and support them throughout their journey to approval.

You will also undertake Private Fostering Assessments and Regulation 8 visits.

About you

We are seeking a qualified, experienced, and registered social worker with excellent assessment and critical analysis skills. Court experience and strong verbal and written communication skills are essential.

You must have the ability to work from various locations and travel countywide independently.

For a full list of role requirements, please refer to the Job Description & Person Specification.

About us

Cambridgeshire offers a diverse environment, including the city of Cambridge, historic Isle of Ely, Huntingdon, St Ives, and rural landscapes.

Our four core values underpin our culture and actions.

We value our diverse communities and strive for a workforce that reflects this diversity, believing it benefits our colleagues, organization, and communities. Even if you don't meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply if you believe you're suitable. We are committed to an inclusive and supportive workplace, and our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, along with employee networks like 'IDEAL', foster this environment.

We are a Disability Confident Employer, supporting reasonable adjustments during recruitment and employment. Please contact the Hiring Manager to discuss any needs.

Visit our jobs and careers page to learn more about our learning opportunities, staff benefits, and our commitment to equality and inclusion.