Supervising Social Worker

Five Rivers; Merley; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Professional development

Blue Light Card

Pension

Refer-a-friend bonus

Equity or equality emphasis

Job summary

Five Rivers Child Care is seeking an experienced Supervising Social Worker to supervise Foster Carers across Dorset and the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area on a 12-month maternity cover contract.

You will join a trauma-informed team, provide regular supervision, support carers, and contribute to high-quality fostering practice while managing a manageable caseload and being available for out-of-hours support on a rota basis.

Qualifications

• Formal Social Work Qualification.
• Valid Driving Licence.
• Right to Work in the UK.
• Excellent written and IT skills.
• Strong communication and active listening abilities.
• Experience in fostering is desirable, but a commitment to making a difference is essential.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a manageable caseload of Foster Carers across Dorset and BCP, providing regular supervision and practical support.
• Work within our trauma-informed practice model to support safe, nurturing and therapeutic homes.
• Complete Form F assessments and participate in children and young people's strategy events.
• Contribute to recruitment planning and attend regional recruitment activities.
• Provide out-of-hours support to Foster Carers on a rota basis.

Skills

Communication

Active listening

Written skills

IT skills

Education

Social Work qualification

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Are you an experienced social worker with a passion for fostering, safeguarding and supporting Foster Carers to make a lasting difference to children’s lives? We are looking for a Supervising Social Worker to join our South & South East Fostering team on a 12-month maternity cover contract, supporting Foster Carers across Dorset and the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area.

Five Rivers Child Care is a Social Enterprise committed to transforming the lives of children and young people by reinvesting our surplus into the services, support and opportunities that help them thrive.

We are looking for a passionate and dedicated Supervising Social Worker to join our South and Southeast Fostering service on a 12-month maternity cover contract. This role will support foster families across Dorset and the BCP areas.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a direct difference to Foster Carers and the children and young people they care for. You will be part of a supportive, trauma-informed team where your professional judgment, relationship-building skills and commitment to high-quality fostering practice will be valued.

What you’ll be doing:

• Supporting a manageable caseload of Foster Carers across Dorset and BCP, providing regular supervision, guidance and practical support.
• Working within our trauma-informed practice model to help Foster Carers provide safe, nurturing and therapeutic homes.
• Complete Form F assessments and participate in children and young people's strategy events.
• Take an active role in recruitment planning and attending recruitment activities throughout the region.
• Provide out-of-hours support to Foster Carers on a rota basis.

Why you’ll love working with us:

• 25 days plus 8 bank holidays annual leave.
• £4,500 car allowance in addition to your salary.
• Continuous professional development supported by our Learning & Development Team.
• Membership to the Simply Health Medical Cash Back Scheme.
• Access to a Blue Light Card for discounts and offers.
• Employee Support Programmes and enhanced company pension scheme (4% employer contribution).
• Refer-a-friend bonus scheme and long service recognition scheme.

What we’re looking for:

• Formal Social Work Qualification.
• Valid Driving Licence and the Right to Work in the UK.
• Excellent written and IT skills.
• Strong communication and active listening abilities.
• Experience in fostering is desirable, but we are equally interested in hearing from qualified social workers who are passionate about making a lasting difference in children’s lives.

Five Rivers is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Children and Young People. All applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate child protection screening, including employment references and a DBS check. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.