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- Tasks: Support and supervise foster carers, conduct reviews, and contribute to care planning.
- Company: Join Wokingham Borough Council, a supportive team dedicated to children's welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, pension, and continuous professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while working in a friendly, empowering environment.
- Qualifications: Must be Social Work qualified, SWE registered, with experience in assessments and report writing.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
We have a new and exciting opportunity for a full time Supervising Social Worker to join our Family Placement Team. This position is based within the Support and Development Team who work alongside the two other teams within the Family Placement Team. The successful Supervising Social Worker candidate will work collaboratively with Social Workers and Managers from other Children's Services teams, the Joint Legal Team, and our inhouse Compass Team. The work is interesting, often complex and challenging but is crucial to achieving placement stability and permanence. This role sits within a busy team, who work creatively with competing demands. The culture in the Family Placement team is one of enthusiastic and experienced workers, who enjoy celebrating their achievements as a team and good practice. The team benefit from a supportive and friendly environment, where colleagues encourage and empower one another to fulfil their professional potential.
Main accountabilities of the role:
- Supervision and Support of Foster Carers
- Annual Reviews presented to Fostering Panel
- Running monthly support groups
- Supporting complex placements
- Identify and training Foster Carers
- Contribute to strong matching and completing long term matching
- Out of Hours Supervising Social Worker on a rota basis
- Taking part in the Family Placement Team (FPT) duty system, supporting colleagues and contributing to service delivery and development.
- Attending meetings and contributing to care planning decisions
- Offer a high challenge, high support approach to Foster Carers
The ideal candidate will be Social Work qualified and SWE registered, with tangible experience of completing assessments and good report writing skills. We are looking for the successful candidate to understand the statutory duties and responsibilities of Children's Services in this area of practice. You must be committed to extending your knowledge, skills and experience through learning and development and working closely with others.
What we can offer you:
- Salary: £41,511 - £47,754 per annum (plus additional £3k Market Supplement)
- Annual Leave: 28 days, rising to 33 days with 5 years continuous service
- Local Government Pension
- Local and National Discounts
- Continuous Professional Development
- Supportive Management
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact either Holli Blackburn, Team Manager (Family Placement Fostering Team) or Alix Williams (Recruitment & Retention Specialist, Children's Social Care).
Closing date: Sunday 6th April 2025, 11pm Interviews: Tuesday 22nd April, in person at our main Wokingham offices.
Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer. Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks. WBC is an equal opportunities employer.
How to apply: Please apply online via the link provided. Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.
Supervising Social Worker, Family Placement Fostering Team employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Wokingham Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supervising Social Worker, Family Placement Fostering Team
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities of a Supervising Social Worker in a Family Placement Team. Understanding the nuances of supervising foster carers and the importance of placement stability will help you articulate your passion and suitability for the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Wokingham Borough Council, especially those in the Family Placement Team. They can provide valuable insights into the team culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with complex placements and how you've supported foster carers in the past. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle challenges while providing high support to foster families.
✨Tip Number 4
Take advantage of the informal discussion opportunity with Holli Blackburn or Alix Williams. This is a great chance to ask questions about the role and show your enthusiasm, which can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Supervising Social Worker, Family Placement Fostering Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Supervising Social Worker position. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, such as experience in assessments and report writing.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your application to highlight relevant experiences that align with the role's requirements. Emphasise your understanding of statutory duties and your commitment to professional development in social work.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Write a compelling personal statement that showcases your passion for fostering and your ability to support foster carers. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you complete the online application form fully, as CVs submitted without it will not be accepted. Double-check all sections for accuracy and completeness before submitting your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wokingham Borough Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the responsibilities of a Supervising Social Worker in the Family Placement Team. Familiarise yourself with the key accountabilities, such as supporting foster carers and contributing to care planning decisions.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your relevant experience in social work, particularly in fostering or child services. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed complex cases or supported foster carers in the past.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with other teams and professionals. Share examples of how you've contributed to team success and supported colleagues in achieving common goals.
✨Emphasise Continuous Development
Express your commitment to professional development and learning. Discuss any training or courses you've undertaken that relate to fostering or social work, and how you plan to continue growing in this field.
