At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and supervise fostering families, making a real difference in children's lives.
- Company: Bradford Children and Families Trust, dedicated to improving family services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced leave, professional development, and supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to engage in enriching activities and support foster families.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help shape the future of children in a vibrant community.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with strong relationship-building and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30150 - 36850 £ per year.
Working for the Bradford Children and Families Trust offers the opportunity to work with some great people who are passionate about delivering change in a city whose culture offers as much diversity as it’s geography.
You can make a real difference to families and children and be an active part in delivering the service Bradford families should receive.
About the Role
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children?
We are looking for talented individuals to join our dedicated fostering service in Bradford to help shape the future of young lives.
Foster for Bradford is the largest fostering family in the district supporting mainstream, kinship and part time fostering families caring for local children.
Bradford is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of community.
You'll be part of a supportive network of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of children.
As we continue to grow and evolve, now is the perfect time to join us.
In September 2025 Foster for Bradford were rated as ‘Good’ in all areas of our practice and reflected the positive changes that had already been achieved for our fostering families as well as our future aspirations to continue our growth and development.
We are seeking to recruit exceptional Supervising Social Workers who are committed to service development and can support and influence best practice across the service.
Your role would be to deliver high-quality supervision to a caseload of fostering households including supporting their training and development needs, chairing complex meetings and making and maintaining relationships with the fostering families including the children within the family.
In addition, you will have the opportunity to participate in our exciting enrichment programme alongside our fostering families and contribute to foster carers’ learning and development.
Our social work senior leadership team and the Foster for Bradford leadership team are permanent and committed to providing stability and continuity within the organisation.
Their consistent presence ensures that our strategic vision and values are upheld, fostering a reliable and supportive environment for both staff and the children in our care.
Our approach is rooted in restorative and relational practice, fostering trust, mutual respect, and meaningful relationships with children, families, and professionals.
- To be successful in this role you will need;
- A DIPSW or equivalent qualification and are registered with the Social Work England as a qualified social worker.
- A full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work purposes - adjustments can be considered for candidates with a disability.
- Expertise in managing the delivery of quality outcomes for children and young people.
- An ability to build strong relationships with children, their families, colleagues and partner agencies.
- An ability to write high-quality reports and assessments and analyse information effectively.
- Experience of managing a caseload in a statutory setting, with ability to problem solve, negotiate and manage conflict.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, for positive engagement with children and families and productive relationship building in a multi-agency environment.
You’ll also be joining an organisation that truly values its people, offering a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and work-life balance, including:
- Retention Payment: You will be eligible for our annual retention payment, paid in 12 monthly instalments. This is non contractual (reviewed annually)
- Enhanced annual leave entitlement: 31 days rising to 34 with service (plus bank holidays)
- Excellent local Government pension
- Competitive salary and pay progression structure
- Supportive carer and parental policies
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Access to Occupational Health and confidential counselling services
- Supportive staff networks
- Access to Blue Light Card discounts, including cost of living support
- Professional development/support and opportunities career progression
Bradford Children and Families Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.
If shortlisted, you will be required to disclose relevant information regarding criminal history prior to interview.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check including a check against the Children’s barred list, will be carried out on preferred candidates.
- Closing Date: 4th October 2026Shortlisting: 12th October 2026Interviews: 21st October 2026
- Further Candidate Information
Alongside the SSW responsibilities, the successful applicant will also take on the rewarding role of Mockingbird Liaison Worker, acting as a key link between the Hub Home, constellation carers and the wider fostering service.
The role focuses on building strong relationships, promoting peer support and helping foster carers feel connected and supported within their Mockingbird community.
As part of this, the post holder will attend and support monthly Mockingbird social activities, some of which take place during weekends and school holidays.
These events are a valuable part of the Mockingbird model, providing opportunities to strengthen networks, celebrate successes and enhance outcomes for children and families.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about relationship-based practice and supporting foster families to thrive.
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Supervising Social Worker – Foster for Bradford employer: Bradford Children and Families Trust
Bradford Children and Families Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both staff and the children they serve. With manageable caseloads and hybrid working options, employees can enjoy a healthy work-life balance while benefiting from continuous professional development and career growth opportunities in a collaborative environment dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community.
Contact Details:
Bradford Children and Families Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supervising Social Worker – Foster for Bradford
✨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 Bradford Children and Families Trust.
✨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 Bradford Children and Families Trust!
✨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 Bradford Children and Families Trust, 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 Bradford Children and Families Trust 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 Supervising Social Worker – Foster for Bradford
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 Bradford Children and Families Trust:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Bradford Children and Families Trust! 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 Bradford Children and Families Trust
✨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.
