Assessing Social Worker (Fostering)

Overview

We are recruiting for an Assessing Social Worker to work with connected and mainstream fostering applicants and families. The role includes supervisory support for newly approved foster carers.

Responsibilities

• Carry out fostering assessments and provide supervisory support for foster carers.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of early trauma, harm and risk on children and young people who are unable to live with their birth parents.
• Work empathetically and creatively with fostering applicants and families to ensure they receive appropriate support.
• Utilise proven assessment skills and the ability to analyse and triangulate information to reach clear recommendations about suitability to foster.
• Manage own workload with strong time management and planning skills.

Qualifications

• Qualified registered Social Worker with Fostering assessment and supervisory experience.
• Evidence of ability to work with complex safeguarding issues and transitions for children and young people.

About Calderdale Fostering Service

• A dynamic team driven by passionate leaders; specialist pods in Assessment, Mainstream Fostering Supervision & Support, and Connected Families supervision and support.
• Supportive leadership, strong learning culture, and a commitment to staff wellbeing and development.
• Ofsted rated the Local Authority as good; aim to be an outstanding service with opportunities to shape service delivery.
• Comprehensive induction and regular, person-focused supervision.

Benefits and Working Arrangements

• Generous pro rata annual leave scheme of 31 days plus bank holidays, increasing to 36 days after five years of continuous local authority service.
• Flexible working with the option to work from home and access to an office base; 9-day fortnight option for full-time staff.
• Further training and development opportunities.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults; DBS disclosure required for posts exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

Contract and Application Details

• Closing Date: Monday 17th November 2025
• Interview Date: Monday 1st December 2025
• Digital interview methods may be used.

Equality and Vision

• Calderdale Council embraces a diverse workforce and is committed to challenging inequality and promoting diversity. All applications are anonymised before being seen by the selection panel.