At a Glance
- Tasks: Support foster families and ensure children thrive in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Foster Care Associates, a leading fostering agency dedicated to making a positive impact on children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company car or allowance, 30-35 days annual leave, and various perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive, family-like environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a Social Work qualification and professional registration with Social Work England.
- Other info: Home-based role with travel across London; flexible hours and out-of-hours support required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 42000 £ per year.
Basic Salary: Up to £41,948.53 per annum dependent upon experience
Benefits: Company Car or £2,000 Car Allowance, 30 days' Annual Leave, rising to 35 days with length of service, + Bank Holidays, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme & Medical Cash Plan.
Office Location: Home Based supporting across Bromley - Beckenham, Bermondsey, East London - Barking & Dagenham, Redbridge, Newham, Hackney, Waltham Forest, Southwark - Nunhead, Wandsworth and Hammersmith & Fulham.
DUTIES WILL INCLUDE:
- Support foster parents and their families to achieve outstanding outcomes for all children and young people in foster care.
- Support and monitor the continued suitability and competence of Foster parents ensuring they provide a safe, healthy, nurturing and learning environment for children/young people.
- Ensure that carers fully understand the fostering task, competencies to be achieved and the standards expected, including complaints and representation procedures as detailed in the FCA policies and procedures.
- Provide and record regular supervision to allocated foster parents in line with FCA's Operational Standards.
- Work in partnership in a team parenting approach to help identify any needs within the foster family e.g. respite, activities, therapy, holidays, with all members of the child's network, including contributing to all relevant meetings and any other tasks defined.
- Ensure each child and foster parent are fully compliant in respect of all key documentation.
- Attend meetings and/or provide reports for Commissioning Teams to address individual packages of care.
- Promote participation of children/young people in the development of the agency and in accessing resources and opportunities in their local community.
- Participate in an 'out of hours' support service on a rota basis.
- Participate in day 'duty system' on a rota basis supporting referrals team.
- Undertake occasional initial home visits and Form F Assessments.
YOU MUST HAVE:
- A Social Work qualification
- Professional registration with Social Work England or equivalent
- Proven ability to produce a high standard of report writing
- A comprehensive working knowledge of relevant legislation and child safeguarding procedures
- The willingness and ability to travel extensively (including occasional nights away)
- Confidence with transporting children and young people in sometimes stressful/difficult situations
- Full driving licence
For more information about this post please contact Caroline Ellis, Registered Manager on 07967 381058 or Rachel Ealing, Fostering Service Manager on 07967 381026.
To be considered, please apply and we will be in touch. No agencies please.
Foster Care Associates is an equal opportunities employer and has been awarded the disability confident employer by the jobcentre plus. The successful applicant will be subject to a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position.
Contact Detail:
FCA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior/Supervising Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific values and mission of Foster Care Associates. Understanding their commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of children and families will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of FCA if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach and show that you’re a good fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with fostering or social work in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported families or children in challenging situations, as this will highlight your suitability for the Senior Supervising Social Worker position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the local areas mentioned in the job description, such as Bromley and East London. Being knowledgeable about the communities you’ll be working in can demonstrate your commitment and readiness to engage with the local network effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior/Supervising Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in social work, particularly any roles that involved supporting foster parents or children. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for fostering and your understanding of the role. Mention how your values align with those of Foster Care Associates and provide examples of how you've made a positive impact in previous positions.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your Social Work qualification and professional registration with Social Work England. Include any additional training or certifications that are relevant to the role, such as child safeguarding procedures.
Showcase Report Writing Skills: Since the role requires high standards of report writing, consider including a brief example of a report or documentation you have produced in the past. This can help demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in writing.
How to prepare for a job interview at FCA
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Senior Supervising Social Worker. Familiarise yourself with the duties listed in the job description, such as supporting foster parents and ensuring compliance with documentation.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your relevant experience in social work, particularly any roles that involved fostering or working with children and families. Highlight specific examples where you've made a positive impact.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Legislation
Brush up on relevant legislation and child safeguarding procedures. Be ready to discuss how you would apply this knowledge in practice, as it’s crucial for the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the agency's approach to fostering and how they support their staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.