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- Tasks: Support children and families through fostering and adoption, making a real difference in their lives.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to creating safe and loving homes for children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing training, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on children's futures while working in a fulfilling role.
- Qualifications: Degree in Social Work and experience with Looked After Children required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with flexibility and opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36427 - 48749 £ per year.
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and families? Would you like to join an enthusiastic and passionate staff team where we believe every child deserves a safe, loving, and supportive home? We are currently recruiting a qualified social worker who has experience working with children in the care system. We know all children need loving, caring and dedicated adults in their life. That’s why we work hard every day to find that family who can go on that journey with children and give them the future they deserve.
About Us
We are committed to providing exceptional fostering and adoption services to ensure that children find stability, security, and the opportunity to thrive. We work closely with families, carers, and professionals to create positive outcomes for children.
Some of the Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Assessment of prospective foster carers and adopters using the BAAF Form F and AAR frameworks.
- Attending multi-disciplinary meetings, Looked After Children reviews and panels.
- Regular supervision and support to foster carers and adopters.
- Timely recording and good communication with all professionals involved in children’s lives.
- Pre and post-approval training delivery.
- Participation in the office duty system on a rota basis.
About You
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has a Degree in Social Work/ Dip SW/ CQSW/ CSS
- Is registered with NISCC
- Has demonstrable experience of working with Looked After Children
- Has access to a car. A full driving licence and appropriate business insurance are also essential and evidence of these documents will be required if appointed. As driving is an intrinsic part of this role, applicants with a disability that prevents them from driving should be able to demonstrate an alternative means of meeting the mobility requirements of the post.
What We Offer
- A supportive and inclusive working environment.
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- The chance to make a lasting impact in the lives of children and families.
Apply Today
If you share our passion for creating brighter futures for children, we’d love to hear from you.
Working Hours: Monday to Friday (37 hours per week) with flexibility to undertake training / visits outside office hours on occasion
Location: Office base 230b Belmont Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT4 2AW. Travel is required across Northern Ireland. This is a hybrid working role - We place value on colleagues spending time together at our office base on a regular basis, with flexibility to work from home for part of the week.
Salary: £36,427.87 - £48,749.06
Closing: Midnight, Thursday 4 December 2025.
Interviews: W/C 8 December 2025
Social Worker - Fostering & Adoption employer: Barnardo's Northern Ireland
Contact Detail:
Barnardo's Northern Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Fostering & Adoption
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, attend relevant events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to fostering and adoption, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion during interviews! Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in children's lives or supported families in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment and make you memorable to the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a positive impact in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Fostering & Adoption
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for making a difference shine through. We want to see how much you care about children and families, so share your experiences that highlight this commitment.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the role of Social Worker in Fostering & Adoption. Highlight your relevant qualifications and experiences, especially those related to working with Looked After Children, as this will really catch our eye.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points if necessary to make your key skills and experiences stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnardo's Northern Ireland
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with the BAAF Form F and AAR frameworks, as well as the processes involved in assessing foster carers and adopters. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand it too.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about making a difference in the lives of children and families. Be prepared to share personal stories or experiences that highlight your passion for social work and your commitment to helping those in need. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team culture, ongoing training opportunities, and how they support their staff. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role and want to ensure it’s the right fit for you.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Experience
Think about specific examples from your past work with Looked After Children. Be ready to discuss challenges you've faced, how you handled them, and the positive outcomes that resulted. This will demonstrate your practical experience and problem-solving skills.
