At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and supervise Foster Carers to make a positive impact on children's lives.
- Company: Join Derbyshire County Council, dedicated to improving family outcomes.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, generous leave, training opportunities, and discounts on local services.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career progression and supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with strong communication and assessment skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Make a real positive difference in the lives of children and families – Apply to become a Foster Social Worker in Derbyshire! Derbyshire is a large authority divided into six localities: Amber Valley, Chesterfield, Erewash, High Peak (Buxton, Glossop, New Mills, and Matlock), Bolsover and North‑East, and South Derbyshire. Our Fostering Service operates across High Peak, South Derbyshire, North East Derbyshire & Chesterfield.
Role Overview
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.
Responsibilities
- Provide regular supervision and support of approved Foster Carers in line with the Fostering National Minimum Standards and Statutory Guidance (2011).
- Work jointly and collaboratively with children’s Social Workers and other professionals.
- Complete annual Foster Carer reviews.
- Attend Foster Panel and facilitate regular Foster Carer support groups.
- Serve on a rota for fostering duty.
- Participate in monthly reflective case supervision and, if needed, be matched with a mentor.
Qualifications and Experience
- Qualified social worker with evidence of strong assessment and analytical skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Desirable – experience supporting Foster Carers and understanding of national and local issues and dilemmas facing Foster Carers.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team across multiple locations.
The position will be based in the South of Derbyshire, with flexibility to cover other areas in Derbyshire and outside the county from time to time. This is a full‑time (37 hours) temporary 12‑month post to cover maternity leave.
What can you expect from us?
- Achievable case loads
- Accelerated pay progression
- Access to training and development opportunities, including 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
Benefits
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexi time, allowing up to an additional two 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!
Potential Interview Dates: 16 or 17 June 2026
Social Worker (Fostering) employer: Derbyshire Limited
Join Derbyshire County Council as a Social Worker in Fostering and be part of a dedicated team making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will benefit from achievable case loads, excellent supervision, and access to training opportunities, including systemic training equivalent to a Post Graduate Certificate. Enjoy a supportive work culture, generous annual leave, and flexible working arrangements, all while contributing to a diverse range of cases in a beautiful location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker (Fostering)
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Derbyshire Limited, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker (Fostering)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Derbyshire Limited. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Derbyshire Limited. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Derbyshire Limited
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Derbyshire Limited.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Social Worker (Fostering) role at Derbyshire Limited, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Derbyshire Limited that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
