Supervising Social Worker in Belfast

We are a well‑established Independent Fostering Agency, proudly family‑owned and managed, and supporting foster parents and young people since 2015. Operating across Wales, Herefordshire, the West Midlands, Shropshire and Stoke, we are committed to providing high‑quality care and creating a genuinely supportive, collaborative working environment for our staff.

As our organisation continues to grow, we are looking for a passionate, motivated Social Worker to join our team. This role will focus on supporting foster parents across Shropshire and Stoke.

Benefits of working for us include:

• Up to 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• A further 5 days annual leave after 5 years of service
• Paid staff membership to FosterTalk with employee benefits and rewards
• Free comprehensive private health cover following successful probation
• Competitive mileage rates
• Employer contributory pension scheme
• Low caseloads to allow for high quality support
• High levels of supervision and managerial support

If you are interested in finding out more about the role then we would LOVE to hear from you. Feel free to drop us an e mail to arrange an informal chat or meeting, or to request an application form.

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

• Provide high quality professional support and regular supervision to foster parents.
• Contribute to effective matching that promotes the best possible outcomes for children.
• Prepare clear, comprehensive reports for annual reviews and attend Panel as required.
• Participate in the Out of Hours rota, offering responsive support.
• Undertake Form F assessments and guide applicants through the process.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

General

• Participate in professional supervision as required by the Fostering Manager, contributing to reflective practice and continuous improvement.
• Adhere to all policies, procedures, and established practices of Family Fostering Partners, including administrative and management processes.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of regulatory requirements and best practice.
• Commit to ongoing professional development by attending training and actively engaging in agreed learning activities, as directed by the Fostering Manager.

Supporting and Supervising Foster Parents

• Work closely with Foster Parents through regular supervision, ensuring they fully understand their role and responsibilities.
• Identify and record Foster Parents’ development needs within a Personal Development Plan, providing organisational, professional, and personal support.
• Ensure Foster Parents engage fully with, and benefit from, the supervision process.
• Undertake additional support visits and other forms of contact as required.
• Support Foster Parents at all relevant professional meetings.
• Contribute to the organisation and facilitation of Foster Parent Support Groups as needed.
• Play an active role in organising and attending events for foster parents, children, and young people.
• Support Foster Parents in maintaining accurate and compliant records.
• Contribute to the ongoing review, development, and performance monitoring of Foster Parents.
• Ensure placement matches are made and sustained in accordance with each child’s Care and Placement Plan.
• Alert the Fostering Manager to any concerns regarding a Foster Parent’s performance.
• Report any child protection or safeguarding concerns immediately to the Fostering Manager.

Training of Foster Parents

• Completing their induction into the fostering service.
• Using supervision to actively monitor learning and develop tailored training plans.
• Promoting attendance at post‑approval training and other learning events.

Recruitment of Foster Parents

• Promoting Family Fostering Partners through both formal and informal engagement opportunities.
• Supporting information‑sharing events, open days, and other recruitment activities.

Working with Children & Young People

• Professionally befriending them and acting as a ‘safe person’.
• Providing support in relation to their care needs.
• Securing access to appropriate services.
• Providing each child with an age‑appropriate copy of the Family Fostering Partners Children’s Guide.
• Delivering one‑to‑one work with children when required.
• Supporting and assisting in the facilitation of young people’s and children’s forums and activities.
• Immediately alerting the Fostering Manager to any matters requiring urgent action.

Finding and Supporting Suitable Homes for children

• Participating in the matching process for children.
• Obtaining contractual paperwork and CLA documentation from placing Local Authorities.
• Working collaboratively with Local Authority representatives.
• Representing Family Fostering Partners at Children’s Looked After Reviews.
• Providing a service that enables children and young people living in our foster homes to achieve their full potential.
• Supporting young people leaving care to make a successful transition to adulthood.
• Assisting in the timely and accurate completion of Foster Parent Reviews.

Growing the Organisation

• Professionally representing the agency in all direct contacts with Local Authority Social Services.
• Contributing to the development of promotional and marketing materials.
• Acting as an ambassador for the agency at local and national events.
• Supporting preparation for, and participation in, regulatory inspections.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Social Work Degree or equivalent qualification: Essential
• Registration with Social Work England: Essential
• 3 years post qualifying experience of working with children and families in social care setting: Desirable
• Good working knowledge of significant legislation impacting on children and fostering: Desirable
• Excellent understanding of children’s safeguarding needs: Essential
• Experience of completing assessments: Desirable
• Applicants must be a confident driver; hold a valid driving licence & have access to a car: Essential
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally & in writing at all levels: Essential
• Good time management & organisational skills: Essential
• Good computer literacy skills & the ability to confidently use virtual platforms: Essential
• Ability to challenge foster parents on unsafe or concerning behaviour: Essential
• Ability to work with foster & birth parents to support children’s development: Essential
• Ability to be reflective of own practice & areas for development: Essential
• Able to respond flexibly to the demands of the post & prioritise & meet deadlines: Essential
• Understanding responsibilities in protecting your own health, safety, & wellbeing: Essential
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team: Essential
• Ability to produce work to deadlines & work under pressure: Essential
• High level of personal integrity & commitment to confidentiality: Essential
• Commitment to promoting equal opportunities & diversity: Essential