At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and guide fostering families while managing a caseload across the North West.
- Company: Join Compass Fostering, a dynamic organisation dedicated to making a positive impact in children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, travel package, wellbeing sessions, and generous holiday leave.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team that champions your growth and encourages meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Must have a relevant Social Work qualification, SWE registration, and experience in fostering or child social care.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to make a real difference while enjoying a vibrant workplace culture.
About The Role
Compass Fostering are looking for a knowledgeable Supervising Social Worker to join our team. Your office base will be Bolton and you will cover a caseload across the North West. The role offers hybrid working arrangements, meaning a mix of office and 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.
The benefits of joining Compass Fostering:
- Career Development – We offer many career paths, recognising hard work and supporting you into senior roles.
- Low Caseloads – You will typically be responsible for 15 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 and treatments including optical and dental.
- 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. Additional 2.5 days each year for your birthday, a health and wellbeing day and a half day for festive shopping.
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.
Supervising Social Worker employer: Compass Fostering
Contact Detail:
Compass Fostering Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supervising Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific fostering regulations and childcare laws relevant to the North West. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and understanding of the local context.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees at Compass Fostering. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be a great advantage during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with managing caseloads and supporting foster families. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills in providing guidance and support, as this is crucial for the Supervising Social Worker role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for fostering and child welfare during any interactions with the recruitment team. Your enthusiasm for contributing to positive change within the organisation can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Supervising Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the specific requirements and responsibilities of a Supervising Social Worker at Compass Fostering. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these expectations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your previous 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 mention 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 cover letter that reflects your passion for fostering and your commitment to supporting foster carers and young people. Use this opportunity to express your enthusiasm for contributing to the growth and development of the Fostering service at Compass.
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
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
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to manage a caseload and provide wrap-around support. Think of past experiences where you successfully navigated challenges and how you can apply those skills in this role.