Social Worker – Direct Services: Fostering
Social Worker – Direct Services: Fostering

Social Worker – Direct Services: Fostering

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
C

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support and assess foster carers while ensuring child welfare in a dynamic team environment.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking local authority in the stunning countryside of West Wales.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, generous leave, a pension scheme, and hybrid working options.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on families while developing your career in a supportive culture.
  • Qualifications: Must be a qualified social worker with experience in child care services; Welsh fluency preferred.
  • Other info: Applications from part-time or job share candidates are welcome; relocation expenses available.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

We operate a bilingual policy. All applicants are invited to apply in Welsh, and any application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application made in English.

Please note that the advertised salary for this position is subject to a pending pay award. The final salary will be adjusted in line with the nationally agreed pay award. Newly Qualified Social Workers will commence on Grade 9 pay and job description before progressing to grade 10 after 2 years in post. Experienced social workers will commence at Grade 10 pay and job description. This position qualifies for a market supplement payment of £200 per month. Please note this additional payment will be reviewed on 31 March 2026. The successful candidate may be eligible for up to £8,000 (including VAT) towards relocation expenses to Ceredigion.

Are you a Qualified Social Worker seeking to work in the beautiful countryside of West Wales for a forward-thinking local authority that offers excellent staff support? You will have post-qualifying experience in child care services and be involved in recruiting, training, assessing, and supporting carers according to National Standards in Fostering. Regular supervision and participation in new projects will be provided.

The Authority is committed to a strengths-based approach using Signs of Safety and is transforming to a through-age and whole family model, enabling flexible planning and services, fostering collaboration within departments and with partner agencies. We seek individuals with Welsh language fluency. A successful applicant lacking Welsh skills will be supported to reach the standard within 2 years of appointment.

In return, we offer benefits like flexible hours, generous annual leave, and a pension scheme. More details about employee benefits can be found here. We are dedicated to developing our staff, providing support for quick role ownership and career progression.

This role requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check, with occasional evening and weekend work. Applications from part-time, job share, or term-time only candidates are welcome. We value work-life balance and offer discretionary benefits such as:

  • Hybrid Working: Option to work from home or office, subject to conditions.
  • Flexi-time: Hours within a set bandwidth, Monday to Friday, based on service needs.

Note: The application deadline may be extended. We are committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk. This role requires an Enhanced DBS check. Previous convictions do not automatically disqualify candidates; each application is considered individually, considering the nature of any convictions. For questions, contact us. We respect your privacy and dignity throughout recruitment.

What we offer:

  • Work-life balance
  • Lifestyle savings scheme
  • Generous pension scheme
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Learning and development opportunities

Where you’ll work:

Porth Cynnal – Specialist Through Age Services Providing intensive, specialist assessments, care planning, and reviews for those needing long-term or complex care, including quality assurance and statutory interventions. Teams include:

  • Planned Care: Adults and Children’s Care and Support, Statutory Interventions
  • Extended Support: Disability and Mental Capacity Teams
  • Substance Misuse: Substance Misuse Team, Youth Justice, IFSS/Edge of Care
  • Mental Wellbeing: Mental Health, AMHP, and School Counselling Teams
  • Safeguarding & Quality Improvement: Safeguarding, Reviewing, and Quality Assurance Teams

Penmorfa is our central office, hosting our Chief Executive and Councillors. Aberaeron is a picturesque harbour town and a popular holiday destination with charming accommodations and eateries.

Social Worker – Direct Services: Fostering employer: Cyngor Sir Ceredigion County Council

Join a forward-thinking local authority in the stunning countryside of West Wales, where we prioritise staff support and professional development for our Social Workers. Enjoy flexible working hours, generous annual leave, and a commitment to work-life balance, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. With opportunities for career progression and a supportive team environment, this is an excellent place to grow your career in social work.
C

Contact Detail:

Cyngor Sir Ceredigion County Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Social Worker – Direct Services: Fostering

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the strengths-based approach and the Signs of Safety framework, as these are key methodologies used in this role. Understanding these concepts will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the values of the organisation.

✨Tip Number 2

If you're not already fluent in Welsh, consider taking a Welsh language course. This will show your dedication to integrating into the community and meeting the requirements of the role, which can significantly boost your chances of being selected.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with current or former employees of the local authority. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach and stand out during the selection process.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your experience in child care services in detail, particularly any relevant projects or initiatives you've been involved in. Highlighting specific examples will showcase your expertise and readiness for the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker – Direct Services: Fostering

Qualified Social Work Degree
Post-qualifying experience in child care services
Welsh language fluency
Knowledge of National Standards in Fostering
Recruitment and training skills
Assessment and support skills for carers
Strengths-based approach using Signs of Safety
Collaboration with partner agencies
Care planning and review skills
Understanding of safeguarding practices
Excellent communication skills
Ability to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends
Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check
Commitment to professional development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Social Worker position in Direct Services: Fostering. Familiarise yourself with the strengths-based approach and the specific needs of the role.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your post-qualifying experience in child care services. Detail your involvement in recruiting, training, assessing, and supporting carers, as these are crucial aspects of the job.

Showcase Welsh Language Skills: If you are fluent in Welsh, make sure to highlight this in your application. If not, mention your willingness to learn and reach the required standard within two years, as this is a key requirement for the role.

Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the values and goals of the local authority. Mention how your personal values align with their commitment to safeguarding and work-life balance, as well as your enthusiasm for working in a collaborative environment.

How to prepare for a job interview at Cyngor Sir Ceredigion County Council

✨Showcase Your Experience

Be prepared to discuss your post-qualifying experience in child care services. Highlight specific examples of how you've recruited, trained, and supported carers, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the role.

✨Emphasise Welsh Language Skills

If you are fluent in Welsh, make sure to mention it during the interview. If not, express your willingness to learn and reach the required standard within two years, showing your commitment to the role and the community.

✨Understand the Strengths-Based Approach

Familiarise yourself with the strengths-based approach using Signs of Safety. Be ready to discuss how you would apply this methodology in your work, as it aligns with the authority's values and practices.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, support structures, and opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.

Social Worker – Direct Services: Fostering
Cyngor Sir Ceredigion County Council
C
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>