At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and guide foster carers while managing a caseload of 13 families.
- Company: Join Compass Fostering, a dynamic organisation dedicated to positive change in fostering services.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, bonuses, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a Social Work qualification, SWE registration, and experience in fostering or child social care.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a role that values your unique perspective.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 46000 £ per year.
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 & 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.
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 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 & 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. 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.
Pay: £33,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits: Additional leave, Company pension, Health & wellbeing programme, Life insurance, Paid volunteer time, Referral programme, Store discount
Education: Bachelor’s (required)
Licence/Certification: Driving Licence (required), Social Work England (required)
Work Location: In person
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 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 on platforms like LinkedIn can provide you with insider insights about the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨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 objective assessments or provided support to foster carers, as these will be key in interviews.
✨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 show your commitment to the role and the welfare of the children and families you'll be working with.
We think you need these skills to ace Supervising Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in social work, particularly in fostering or child social care. Emphasise your qualifications, skills, and any specific achievements that align with the role at Compass Fostering.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for fostering and your commitment to supporting children and young people. Mention how your reflective and creative approach can contribute to the growth of the Fostering service.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, clearly outline your experience managing caseloads and providing support to foster carers. Use specific examples to demonstrate your understanding of fostering regulations and safeguarding issues.
Showcase Your Commitment: Express your enthusiasm for participating in the out-of-hours on-call service and your dedication to providing wrap-around support to foster carers. This will show Compass Fostering that you are ready to go the extra mile.
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 from your past experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting foster carers and young people.
✨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 knowledgeable and ready to navigate the complexities of the role.
✨Highlight Your Reflective Practice
Discuss how you approach reflective practice in your work. Provide examples of how you've used reflection to improve your support for foster families and adapt your strategies to meet their needs.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate scenario-based questions that may assess your ability to manage a caseload and provide support. Think through how you would handle various situations involving foster carers and young people, showcasing your problem-solving skills.