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- Tasks: Support and guide foster families while managing a caseload of up to 13 families.
- Company: Join Compass Fostering, a dynamic organisation dedicated to positive change in fostering services.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, travel package, wellbeing sessions, and generous holiday leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a relevant Social Work qualification, SWE registration, and experience in fostering or child social care.
- Other info: This is a 12-month maternity cover role starting March/April 2025.
About The Role
Compass Fostering are looking for a knowledgeable Supervising Social Worker to join our team. Your office base will be Thetford and you will cover a caseload across Bedford, Luton & Milton Keynes. The role offers hybrid working arrangements, meaning a mix of office & home base, with visits being completed to carers.
This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled Social Worker to influence and effect change within our dynamic organisation. We want you to be an active participant, looking to contribute to positive change within the organisation whilst developing your career. Whether you’re an established SSW or looking for something new, our teams at Compass encourage and champion your drive to succeed.
Please note that this is a maternity leave cover post for 12 months, starting March/April 2025.
The benefits of joining Compass Fostering:
- Career Development – We offer many career paths, recognising hard work & supporting you into senior roles.
- Low Caseloads – You will typically be responsible for up to 13 fostering families.
- Competitive Salary – using structured pay grades based on your training and experience.
- Travel Package – 45 pence per mile with an additional Car allowance of £100 per month for the upkeep of your vehicle.
- Wellbeing – Access to therapeutic wellbeing sessions with our Therapeutic Services team.
- Bonuses – Receive £200 (2 years), £400 (5 years) and £600 (10 years) service awards, plus up to £500 special recognition award for outstanding practice.
- Awards – The chance to win up to £150 in vouchers every month from our REACH Awards.
- MediCash - Cashback for various medical appointments & treatments with MediCash.
- Life Assurance Scheme – 3 x annual salary after successful completion of your probation review.
- Increased Holiday – 25 days annual leave, rising to 28 days within 4 years, plus all bank holidays, 2.5 days each year for your birthday, a health and wellbeing day and a half day festive shopping day.
It is essential that you:
- Have an approach that is reflective and creative when working with our foster carers and young people to inspire them to reach their full potential.
- Can manage your own caseload of typically 13 fostering families, giving support and guidance when necessary and help them to develop their skills.
- Are committed to provide wrap around support to our foster carers by participating in an out of hours on call service.
- Are passionate and want to actively contribute to the growth and development of the Fostering service.
- Have a relevant professional qualification in Social Work.
- Are Social Work England (SWE) registered.
- Have worked in a fostering related social work role and/or child social care, such as a looked after children’s team.
- Have experience and can demonstrate evidence of identifying the needs of young people.
- Have a good knowledge of fostering regulations, childcare law and safeguarding issues.
- Can make objective professional assessments of children and young people.
- Have access to a car and a valid driving licence.
The successful applicants will be offered a role subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.
Compass is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As we continue to grow, we know that we must have the most talented employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to support our children and young people.
Supervising Social Worker (12-Month Fixed Term) employer: Compass Fostering
Contact Detail:
Compass Fostering Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supervising Social Worker (12-Month Fixed Term)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Compass Fostering's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to diversity and inclusion will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing how your personal values resonate with theirs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Compass Fostering. Engaging with them can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to manage a caseload effectively. Highlight instances where you've made a positive impact on foster families or young people, as this will show your capability in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current fostering regulations and childcare laws. Being knowledgeable about these topics will not only boost your confidence but also impress the interviewers with your commitment to professional development.
We think you need these skills to ace Supervising Social Worker (12-Month Fixed Term)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Supervising Social Worker position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what Compass Fostering is looking for.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in fostering-related social work or child social care. Provide specific examples of how you've managed caseloads, supported foster carers, and contributed to positive outcomes for young people.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Make sure to clearly state your relevant professional qualifications in Social Work and your registration with Social Work England. This is crucial for demonstrating your eligibility for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for fostering and your commitment to supporting foster carers and young people. Use this opportunity to convey your reflective and creative approach to social work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Fostering
✨Show Your Passion for Fostering
Make sure to express your genuine passion for fostering and working with children. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted young people's lives in your previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Regulations
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of fostering regulations, childcare law, and safeguarding issues. This will show that you are well-informed and ready to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Highlight Your Reflective Practice
Discuss your reflective and creative approach when working with foster carers and young people. Provide examples of how you've inspired others to reach their full potential through your support.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate scenario-based questions that may assess your ability to manage a caseload and provide wrap-around support. Think about past experiences where you've successfully navigated challenges in social work.
