At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and supervise foster carers to ensure safe and nurturing placements for children.
- Company: Join Devon County Council's dedicated fostering service team.
- Benefits: Competitive pay up to £36 per hour and supportive professional networks.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a lasting difference in the lives of foster carers and children.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered Social Worker with relevant experience in Children's Social Care.
Please note that only Social Work England Registered Social Workers with Right to Work in the UK will be considered for this role, please do not apply if you are not a SWE Registered Social Worker who has the Right to Work in the UK.
Caritas Recruitment is recruiting for an experienced Supervising Social Worker to join Devon County Council's North & Mid Fostering Team. This is an excellent opportunity to join a dedicated fostering service committed to supporting foster carers and ensuring children and young people experience safe, stable and nurturing placements. The team plays a vital role in providing supervision, guidance and support to foster carers while ensuring compliance with fostering regulations and best practice standards.
About the Role
As a Supervising Social Worker, you will work closely with foster carers across North & Mid Devon, promoting high-quality fostering practice and supporting carers to achieve the best possible outcomes for children in their care. Key responsibilities include:
- Providing supervision, support and professional advice to foster carers
- Conducting foster carer visits and statutory supervision
- Completing unannounced visits and annual foster carer reviews
- Undertaking quality assurance activities
- Supporting the recruitment, assessment and ongoing development of foster carers
- Assisting with the delivery of training for prospective and existing foster carers
- Ensuring compliance with National Minimum Standards for Fostering and Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011
- Promoting permanence options and understanding of legal frameworks for children cared for within family and friendship networks
Requirements
- Social Work qualification
- Social Work England registration
- Right to Work in the UK
- Successful completion of ASYE
- Significant post-qualifying experience within Children's Social Care
- Experience within Fostering services or the ability to demonstrate highly transferable skills from a related children's social work setting
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Strong understanding of fostering legislation, regulations and safeguarding practice
- High-quality assessment, recording and planning skills
- Ability and willingness to work across the North & Mid Devon area
Working Arrangements
Location: Taw View, North Walk, Barnstaple, EX31 1EE
Hours: 37 hours per week
Social Workers must be available to undertake visits and meet service requirements
Occasional home working may be available and can be discussed at interview
Pay & Benefits
Up to £36 per hour depending on experience
Supportive fostering service with strong professional networks
Opportunity to make a lasting difference to foster carers and children
For more information on this role or for a discussion about Social Work opportunities across England and Wales please contact Gemma at Caritas Recruitment.
Fostering Social Worker | Devon employer: Caritas Recruitment
Caritas Recruitment is an excellent employer for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges. Located in Southampton, we foster a supportive work culture that prioritises collaboration and professional growth, offering ongoing training and development opportunities. Our commitment to client-centred care ensures that our employees are empowered to make meaningful contributions while enjoying a fulfilling career in a vibrant community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fostering Social Worker | Devon
✨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 Caritas Recruitment.
✨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 Caritas Recruitment!
✨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 Caritas Recruitment, 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 Caritas Recruitment 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 Fostering Social Worker | Devon
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 Caritas Recruitment:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Caritas Recruitment! 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 Caritas Recruitment
✨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.
