At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and supervise Foster Carers to ensure positive outcomes for children.
- Company: Join Derbyshire County Council's dedicated Fostering Team.
- Benefits: Generous leave, training opportunities, and discounts on local services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with strong communication and assessment skills.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and supportive team environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Social Worker – Fostering Team
A new and exciting opportunity has arisen for a qualified Social Worker to join Derbyshire\’s Fostering Team. In this role you will contribute to the supervision and support of approved Foster Carers and to the ongoing development of the team, fostering service and Derbyshire\’s commitment to achieving good outcomes for children.
Key responsibilities
- Regular supervision and support of approved Foster Carers in line with the Fostering National Minimum Standards and Statutory Guidance (2011).
- Joint and collaborative working with children\’s Social Workers and other professionals.
- Completing annual Foster Carer reviews.
- Attending Foster Panel.
- Facilitating regular Foster Carer support groups.
- Being on a rota for Fostering duty.
- Receiving monthly reflective case supervision and, if needed, being matched with a mentor in the team.
- Evidence of strong assessment and analytical skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Location & working patterns
This position will be based in the South of Derbyshire, at Swadlincote, but will require flexibility to cover other areas in Derbyshire and outside the county from time to time. It is a full‑time (37 hours) temporary post.
What we offer
- Achievable case loads
- Accelerated pay progression
- Access to training and development opportunities
- Systemic training equivalent to a Post Graduate Certificate
- Excellent supervision and a supportive peer network
- Effective leadership and management
- Career progression and formal qualifications opportunities
- Diverse range of cases for a rewarding career
- Covered DBS fee and Social Work England registration fee reimbursement
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexi time, allowing up to an additional 2 days of leave per month
- Derbyshire Rewards – discounts from high street retailers and more
- Generous annual leave and flexi time scheme
- Travel expenses
- Discounts on leisure centre memberships
- Free car parking at most sites
- In‑house counselling service
- Occupational Health service
- Access to sessions with a trained physiotherapist
- Cycle to work scheme
Make a real positive difference in the lives of children and families – join Derbyshire County Council today!
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Social Worker (Fostering) employer: Derbyshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Derbyshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker (Fostering)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former social workers in fostering roles. They can give you insider info on the team and the work culture, plus they might even know about unadvertised positions.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to fostering. Think about your experiences and how they align with Derbyshire's commitment to good outcomes for children. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of your strong assessment and analytical skills to the table. Use real-life scenarios where you’ve made a difference in children’s lives to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Derbyshire County Council and making a positive impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker (Fostering)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Social Worker in the Fostering Team. We want to see how you can contribute to supporting Foster Carers and achieving great outcomes for children.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are key for this role, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. We love a well-structured application that reflects your ability to communicate effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to mention any relevant experience you have in fostering or social work. We’re looking for evidence of strong assessment and analytical skills, so share specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in these areas.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status easily!
How to prepare for a job interview at Derbyshire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the Fostering National Minimum Standards and Statutory Guidance. Brush up on your knowledge about the role of a Social Worker in fostering, as well as Derbyshire's specific practices. This will show that you’re not just interested in the job, but that you’re genuinely invested in making a positive impact.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your assessment and analytical skills in detail. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully supported Foster Carers or collaborated with other professionals. This will help demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life scenarios you might face in this role. Practice how you would handle difficult situations with Foster Carers or children. This will not only prepare you for the interview but also help you think critically about your approach to fostering.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, support systems, and training opportunities. This shows that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in how you can contribute to the team and grow within the role.