At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and supervise foster carers while promoting the best interests of children.
- Company: Join Luton Borough Council's People Team and make a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming lives and supporting families in need.
- Qualifications: Experience in fostering and strong communication skills required.
Connect2Luton are excited to recruit a SUPERVISING SOCIAL WORKER on behalf of Luton Borough Council within their People Team department.
Main purpose of position: To undertake the full range of social work duties in relation to statutory Family Placement work in accordance with the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services and Fostering Services Regulations, promoting the best interests of children and young people at all times.
As a SUPERVISING SOCIAL WORKER, you will be responsible for:
- Visiting and maintaining contact on an agreed basis in accordance with LBC guidelines and policies, to support, supervise and guide the foster carer.
- Working flexibly to ensure an appropriate level of support is offered. Identifying and advising the deputy team manager or team manager of problems arising with carers and/or their placements ensuring appropriate and timely action may follow.
- Reporting significant issues and/or complaints, incidents, allegations in accordance with Schedule 7 notifications to deputy team manager, team manager or other senior manager (if appropriate) immediately.
- Undertaking annual review of foster carers and presenting at Panel in accordance with the LBC procedures and in conjunction with the senior management of KinderCare.
- Undertaking annual foster carer Health and Safety checks.
- Supporting and identifying training and development needs of allocated foster carers, monitoring achievement and attendance at training sessions.
- Completing Personal Development Plans.
- Undertaking training for personal development both internally and externally. Delivering training for foster carers on a group basis when appropriate.
- Taking responsibility for own professional continuing development and participation in company training initiatives.
- Sharing knowledge with colleagues.
- Running support groups for foster carers, children and young people.
Skills and Experience:
- Substantial post qualifying experience in fostering.
- Able to undertake statutory duties under the Children Act 1989, Fostering Minimum Standards and Care Planning and Fostering Regulations 2015.
- In-depth ability to make professional judgements in a multi-disciplinary setting, including negotiating resources.
- Able to effectively communicate and work with service users, which will include children, foster carers and a wide range of other professionals.
- Demonstrable ability to maintain high quality records, write clear, concise reports and correspondence dealing with complex issues.
- In-depth ability to work to strict deadlines and targets, working on own initiative, and also able to work as part of a team and share expertise.
- Demonstrable ability to lead and chair multi-disciplinary meetings and represent the agency in a formal setting or similar.
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of child development and issues of family dynamics.
DBS: Because of the nature of this job, it will be necessary for Disclosure and Barring Service checks to be undertaken. Therefore, it is essential in making your application you disclose whether you have any convictions, bind overs or cautions and, if so, for which offences. This post will be exempt from the provisions of section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders 1974 (Exemptions) (Amendments) Order 1986. Therefore, applications are not entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are 'spent' under the provision of the Act, and, in the event of the employment being taken up, any failure to disclose such convictions will result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the Authority. The fact that a bind-over or caution has been recorded against you will not necessarily debar you from consideration for this appointment.
About Us: Luton Borough Council have partnered with Kent County Council to create Connect2Luton, a recruitment managed service for all contingent temporary agency, contract, and interim roles at the Council. Our heritage and being local government owned means we have a wealth of knowledge and expertise within the public sector, with many of our employees having previously worked for the Council or have supplied previously into the Council for several years. We are an equal opportunities employment agency and business that positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Supervising Social Worker Fostering in Luton employer: Connect2Luton
Luton Borough Council, through Connect2Luton, offers a supportive and inclusive work environment for Supervising Social Workers, prioritising the welfare of children and young people. Employees benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities, a collaborative culture, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community. With a strong commitment to equal opportunities, this role provides a unique opportunity to grow within a respected local government framework.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supervising Social Worker Fostering in Luton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience in fostering. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you insider tips on the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios related to foster care, as this will show your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your soft skills! As a Supervising Social Worker, communication and empathy are key. Share examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully supported foster carers or children, highlighting your ability to connect with others.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.
We think you need these skills to ace Supervising Social Worker Fostering in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Supervising Social Worker. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how you've used them in real-life situations. Share specific examples of your work in fostering and how you've made a positive impact on children and families.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your sentences are easy to read and get straight to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Luton
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Children Act 1989 and the Fostering Minimum Standards. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will show that you understand the legal framework surrounding fostering, which is crucial for a Supervising Social Worker.
✨Demonstrate Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your substantial post-qualifying experience in fostering. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easier for interviewers to see your impact.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role involves working with children, foster carers, and various professionals, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Consider role-playing common scenarios you might encounter, focusing on how you would communicate effectively in each situation.
✨Prepare for Multi-disciplinary Discussions
Since you'll be leading and chairing multi-disciplinary meetings, think about how you can facilitate discussions and manage differing opinions. Be ready to share your approach to collaboration and conflict resolution, as this will demonstrate your leadership capabilities.
