Supervising social worker

Oakwood Fostering; Birmingham; Remote; GBP 39,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Oakwood Fostering is seeking an enthusiastic Supervising Social Worker based in the West Midlands for a genuinely home-based role. You will manage an allocated caseload of foster carers, conducting supervision visits and supporting positive outcomes for children.

The role requires a recognised social work qualification and SW England registration, with strong assessment and report-writing skills. You will work independently, travel to foster families as needed, and join a growing agency

Qualifications

• A recognised social work qualification and SW England registration.
• Strong assessment, analytical and report-writing skills.
• Understanding of trauma-informed and attachment-informed practice.
• Based in the West Midlands and able to travel to foster families.

Responsibilities

• Supervise allocated caseload of foster carers with high-quality supervision, support and challenge.
• Complete supervisory visits, annual reviews and safer caring plans.
• Support carers to understand trauma and attachment needs.
• Produce high-quality analytical assessments and collaborate with authorities.
• Contribute to matching, placement stability and service development.

Skills

Analytical skills

Report-writing

Communication skills

Independent working

Diary management

Travel willingness

Trauma-informed practice

Attachment-informed practice

Form F assessments (bonus)

Education

Social Work degree/qualification

Social Work England registration

Job description

£38,500–£45,500 per annum, depending on experience

No daily commute. Genuine home working.

We are looking for an enthusiastic Supervising Social Worker based in the West Midlands to join our growing independent fostering agency.

This is a genuinely home-based role. Your home will be your normal place of work, giving you the flexibility to manage your diary and work independently.

A little about us

At Oakwood Fostering, we believe children thrive when the adults around them feel well supported too. We are an independent therapeutic fostering agency committed to providing nurturing, stable homes where children and young people feel safe, valued, understood and able to thrive.

Our approach recognises the impact of trauma, attachment and children's individual experiences. We work alongside foster carers to help them understand the child behind the behaviour and respond with empathy, curiosity, consistency and care.

We are growing, and we are looking for a Supervising Social Worker who wants to be part of that journey. People who thrive in our team tend to be relationship-focussed, willing to learn and motivated, with a genuine commitment to doing the right thing for children in care and their foster families.

What will the role involve?

You will have responsibility for an allocated caseload of foster carers, developing strong professional relationships and providing high-quality supervision, support and challenge.

You will also:

• Complete supervisory visits, annual reviews and safer caring plans.
• Support foster carers to understand trauma, attachment and children's emotional and developmental needs.
• Complete high-quality, analytical assessments.
• Work collaboratively with local authorities, children's social workers, schools and other professionals.
• Contribute to matching, placement stability and positive outcomes for children.
• Contribute to the continued development of our fostering service.

Who are we looking for?

You will need:

• A recognised social work qualification and Social Work England registration.
• Strong assessment, analytical and report-writing skills.
• Experience of completing Form F assessments would be a bonus but not essential.
• A good understanding of therapeutic, trauma-informed and attachment-informed practice.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• The confidence and drive to work independently and manage your own diary and priorities.
• To be based in the West Midlands and able to travel to foster families and meetings when required.

We want our social workers to have the autonomy to do their jobs well. This role offers the opportunity to join a growing agency where you can genuinely influence practice, know the foster families you support well and be part of a highly motivated team.

You'll have the freedom of genuine home working, combined with the professional connection, reflective practice and support that good fostering social work requires.

Salary: £38,500–£45,500 per annum, depending on experience

Location: Home-based – applicants must be based in the West Midlands

Working arrangements: Genuine home-based working, with travel to foster carers' homes and professional meetings as required.

• Oakwood Fostering is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Appointment is subject to satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check, verification of Social Work England registration and confirmation of the right to work in the UK.