At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and develop foster carers to improve outcomes for children and young people.
- Company: Join Five Rivers, a passionate team dedicated to fostering and child welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, car allowance, medical cashback, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with excellent career growth and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in child-focused practice; fostering experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Are you a qualified Social Worker looking to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people who live with fostering families? We are looking for passionate and committed Supervising Social Workers to join our North Fostering Service which covers Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. You will be based at our office in Doncaster.
The North Fostering Service covers a wide geographical area, including Rotherham, Leeds, Beverley, Hull, Brighouse, Barnsley, Scunthorpe, Lincoln, Grimsby, York, Kirklees, Skegness, Dewsbury, Castleford, Wakefield and Bakewell.
Five Rivers currently have opportunities for one permanent, full-time Supervising Social Worker and two fixed-term, full-time Supervising Social Workers for a period of twelve months each. We are a growing service who puts children first without exception. We value and support our Foster Carers and practitioners and are determined to improve outcomes for children through collaboration and co-production.
This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to join a supportive and experienced fostering team where your practice will help foster carers provide safe, stable and nurturing homes for children and young people…an opportunity to turn children’s lives around and make a real difference.
At Five Rivers, we work with an Attachment and Trauma-Informed (ATIC) model, bringing together fostering, residential, clinical and education services to achieve the best possible everyday experiences and outcomes based on identified needs for children and young people. You will be part of a multi-disciplinary network supported by psychologists, therapeutic practitioners, foster support workers and business support colleagues, giving you the tools and expertise to deliver high-quality, relationship-based practice.
About the Role
As a Supervising Social Worker, you will be at the heart of our fostering service, supporting, supervising and developing foster carers so that they are confident and competent, valued and equipped to meet the individual needs of the children and young people in their care. You will have a relational approach and work in partnership with Local Authorities, internal and external professionals; and you will undertake reviews, complete high-quality reports and recording, and be part of care planning activity that evidences strong practice and decision making.
You will also contribute to foster carer recruitment, attend fostering events, support assessments and help shape the continued growth and success of the Service.
We are looking for someone who brings warmth, curiosity and professional confidence to their work; a reflective, child-focused practitioner who can work independently while being an active and positive member of a collaborative regional team.
Essential Requirements
- A genuine and heartfelt commitment to improving outcomes for children and keeping them at the centre of all practice and decision making.
- Qualified Social Worker with a recognised Social Work qualification.
- Registered with Social Work England.
- Experience of working with children, young people and families; fostering experience is desirable but not essential.
- A good understanding of fostering, safeguarding, attachment and trauma informed practice.
- Strong assessment, communication and report writing skills.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Confidence to manage a varied caseload, complete statutory driven tasks within specified timescales.
- Work both independently and as part of a team.
- The confidence to appropriately challenge, as well as encourage and support foster carers.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.
- Right to work in the UK.
Why Join Five Rivers?
- 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays each year.
- Car Allowance of £4,500 per annum.
- Group clinical supervision provided by a qualified psychologist/clinician.
- Simplyhealth Medical Cashback Plan.
- Pension Scheme and Employee Assistance Programme.
- Enhanced Maternity Leave package for employees with over one year's service.
- Professional Social Work Supervision provided by an experienced manager.
- Access to high-quality training, reflective supervision and career progression opportunities to support your professional development.
How to Apply
Please complete your application form in full and return it to [email protected] or call 01722 435750 (Option 2) for further information. We are happy to arrange an informal call with the service manager for this role.
If you are shortlisted for the role, you will be invited to attend a formal interview process, where you will have the opportunity to meet members of the leadership team and complete questions developed by our Young Recruiters.
Safeguarding
Five Rivers Childcare is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate safeguarding checks, including employment references and an enhanced DBS check.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, or age.
Supervising Social Worker - Doncaster employer: Five Rivers Child Care
Five Rivers Child Care is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. Located in Bromsgrove, our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and diversity, providing Independent Panel Members with the opportunity to contribute to vital decisions that shape futures. We offer competitive remuneration for panel participation, alongside a commitment to employee growth and development within the fostering sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supervising Social Worker - Doncaster
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Five Rivers Child Care.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Five Rivers Child Care!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Five Rivers Child Care, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Five Rivers Child Care or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Supervising Social Worker - Doncaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Five Rivers Child Care:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Five Rivers Child Care! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Five Rivers Child Care
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
