At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the recruitment and assessment of foster carers while aiding the Kinship Care Team.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on child welfare and fostering.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, strong salary, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunities for career development and relocation support available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through fostering support.
- Qualifications: Experience in fostering assessments and strong safeguarding skills required.
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 29.6 per week over 4 days, or full-time hours will be considered
Salary: NJC Grade H1/H2 SCP 27-35 £38,220 - £46,142 pro-rata per annum
Closing Date: Friday 19th June 2026 at 12 noon
Priority: This post is open to employees currently On Notice/At Risk and Internal. Applications from employees currently on Notice/At Risk will be given priority. On Notice/At Risk employees should complete the application form as normal; upon submission you must email the Recruitment Team – recruitment@blackpool.gov.uk to ensure that your application form is marked as priority.
Job Overview: An opportunity has arisen for a Social Worker to join the Fostering Recruitment & Assessment Team. The role involves supporting the recruitment, assessment and approval of foster carers, alongside providing essential support to the Kinship Care Team through the completion of kinship care assessments.
Responsibilities: Applicants will ideally have experience in fostering and completing Form F and/or Form K assessments. The post requires the ability to undertake both mainstream fostering assessments and kinship assessments, ensuring a proportionate, child‑centred approach that balances regulatory requirements with the needs of children and their families.
Qualifications: Strong assessment and report‑writing skills and a robust safeguarding background. You must be registered with Social Work England.
Benefits:
- Pay: Our salary offer is strong and candidates recruited from the same or similar role may be eligible for a salary match within the above salary banding.
- Genuine flexible working: Family‑friendly patterns such as flexible start/finish times and state‑of‑the‑art technology support, so you can work from home.
- Small teams, clear line management and practice development support.
- Caseloads: Manageable, varied and appropriate to your role.
- Easy and regular access to senior leadership team & Principal Social Worker.
- Social Work England registration fee is paid.
- Annual leave: 26 days’ annual leave (rising to 28 after 5 years & 32 days after 10 years) and the option to buy an additional 5 days on top of that via salary sacrifice.
- Encouragement to take your TOIL back.
- Supervision: Strengthened supervision policy supports building a trusting relationship with your manager.
- Leadership stability.
- DfE appointed Independent Commissioner.
- Career development focused on supporting your growth.
- Relocation support up to £8,000.
- Staff benefit scheme.
- Social Work Benefits and Diversity – Next Step Blackpool.
- Employee Assistance Programme: Provides counselling, financial or legal advice.
- Mental Health First Aiders.
- Principal Social Worker Best Practice Awards.
- Acknowledgement of staff commitment.
Contact: For further information, please contact Danielle McMahon, Team Manager on Danielle.McMahon@Blackpool.gov.uk or 01253 476563.
EEO and Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/vulnerable adults. This post is subject to satisfactory reference history of at least two years, Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, medical clearance, evidence of any essential qualifications and proof of Right to Work in the UK in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and amendments to the exemptions order, which means that certain offences are protected and do not need to be disclosed.
Social Worker (Fostering) employer: Blackpool Council
Join a supportive and dynamic team as a Social Worker in Fostering, where your expertise will directly impact the lives of children and families. With a strong emphasis on employee well-being, flexible working arrangements, and robust career development opportunities, we foster a culture that values collaboration and professional growth. Located in Blackpool, you will benefit from manageable caseloads, access to senior leadership, and a comprehensive support system designed to help you thrive in your role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker (Fostering)
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Blackpool Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Blackpool Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Blackpool Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Blackpool Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker (Fostering)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Blackpool Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Blackpool Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blackpool Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
