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 to newly approved foster carers.
• Engage empathetically and creatively with fostering applicants and families to ensure they receive the most appropriate support to meet their needs.
• Demonstrate proven assessment skills and the ability to analyse and triangulate information to reach clear recommendations about suitability to foster.
• Manage own workload, time management and planning with a self-motivated approach and excellent communication and organisational skills.

About the Team

The Fostering service in Calderdale is a dynamic team driven by passionate leaders and social workers, split into pods with specialist areas in Assessment, Mainstream Fostering Supervision & Support, and Connected Families supervision and support. The structure allows social workers to become specialists in their areas, supervised by a practice manager and supported by a dedicated business support officer, fostering training & enrichment coordinator, placements team and payments officer.

Quality and Culture

Ofsted has rated us a good Local Authority. The Fostering Service aims to be outstanding, with social workers valued, and opportunities to shape the service with new ideas and initiatives. Calderdale offers supportive leadership focused on staff wellbeing and development, with quality reflective supervision and a strong learning culture.

Benefits and Working Arrangements

• Comprehensive induction program and regular person-focused supervision to meet wellbeing, training and development needs.
• Generous pro rata annual leave: 31 days plus bank holidays, increasing to 36 days after five years of continuous local authority service.
• Flexible working: option to work from home, with an office base to meet colleagues; consideration for a 9-day fortnight for full-time staff.
• Opportunities for further training and development.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults; DBS required for posts exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act before appointment.

Safeguarding, DBS and Recruitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Applicants to posts exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act will require a DBS before appointment.

Additional Information

Closing Date: Monday 17 November 2025
Interview Date: Monday 1 December 2025
We may utilise digital interview methods.

Organisation and Vision

As part of our Vision, Calderdale Council aims to be a talented, resilient and inclusive community with flexible working/job-share options for full and part-time staff. We strive to challenge inequality and promote diversity and welcome applications from under-represented communities. All applications are anonymised before being seen by the selection panel.

For support on your application please read our Application Booklet or visit our Employment Hub.