Supervising Social Worker

Five Rivers; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 25 days + 8 bank holidays

Car allowance £4,500

CPD support from Learning &Development

Health cash back (Simply Health)

Blue Light Card access

Employee support programme

Enhanced pension scheme (4% employer)

Refer-a-friend bonus

Long service recognition

Job summary

Five Rivers is seeking a Supervising Social Worker to join the South & South East Fostering team on a 12‑month maternity cover contract, supporting Foster Carers across Dorset and the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area.

You will work within a trauma‑informed practice model, provide supervision, participate in strategy events, and support recruitment activities while contributing to high‑quality fostering practice.

Qualifications

• Formal Social Work qualification required.
• Driving licence and the right to work in the UK are essential.
• Strong written and IT skills are necessary.

Responsibilities

• Provide regular supervision and practical support to Foster Carers across Dorset and BCP.
• Work within a trauma‑informed practice model to support safe, nurturing homes.
• Complete Form F assessments and participate in children and young people's strategy events.
• Lead recruitment activities and provide out‑of‑hours support on a rota basis.

Skills

Communication skills

Active listening

IT skills

Education

Formal social work qualification

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 South East 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 Programme
• 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 License 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.