Supervising Social Worker - Maternity Cover in Essex

Supervising Social Worker – Maternity Cover

Join to apply for the Supervising Social Worker – Maternity Cover role at Five Rivers

Our fostering team is dedicated, supportive, and passionate about achieving the best outcomes for children and young people across Essex. This role is based in our Laindon office, with travel across the region to support foster families.

Working for Five Rivers brings many benefits as a proud Social Enterprise, reinvesting into the services, training, and support we offer to our foster carers, children, and staff.

Our Trauma‑Informed (ATIC) model integrates our Fostering, Residential, Clinical, and Education services to ensure the best possible outcomes for every young person.

Your Job Will Include

• Supervising, supporting, and developing a caseload of foster carers
• Undertaking statutory visits, assessments, reviews, and reports
• Ensuring carers receive high‑quality guidance and support
• Working collaboratively with foster families, local authorities, and internal teams
• Contributing to placement stability and positive outcomes for children
• Participating in team meetings, training, and service development
• Maintaining accurate, compliant records using CHARMS
• Promoting participation and the voice of children and young people in developing the fostering service
• Ensuring adherence to Five Rivers policies, procedures, and safeguarding standards

Hours

This is a Part‑Time role working 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE).

Specific working days and times will be agreed at appointment.

Office Hours Are Typically

Monday–Thursday: 9–5pm

Friday: 9am–4:30pm

You Will Receive

• 25 days plus 8 bank holidays annual leave allowance. (Pro Rata)
• A formal induction and training, including our electronic recording system (CHARMS)
• Competitive annual leave allowance
• Pension scheme and Employee Assistance Programme
• Career development and progression opportunities
• Blue Light Card
• Simply Health membership
• Supportive team culture and access to specialist therapeutic services

You Will Have

• Social Work qualification (DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent)
• Registration with Social Work England
• Experience within fostering, safeguarding, or children’s social care (essential)
• Strong communication, assessment, and organisational skills
• Ability to manage complex and challenging situations
• A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle
• The right to work in the UK
• The desire to be a team player focused on the best outcomes for children and foster carers

If you are interested, please do not delay your application.

For more information, please email our recruitment team at [email protected] or call 01722 435750 option 2.

Five Rivers Child Care is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate child protection screening, including references and an enhanced DBS check.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.