At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and empower Foster Parents while ensuring high-quality placements for children.
- Company: Join an Ofsted Outstanding fostering agency with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Up to £39,392 salary, car allowance, 30-35 days leave, and pension.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent training and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a genuine difference in children's lives and feel valued in your role.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with strong communication and assessment skills.
Join an Ofsted Outstanding fostering agency where social workers are trusted, supported and empowered to make a genuine difference to children and foster families across the East Midlands.
Hours: 21 hours per week, flexible on days
Basic Salary: Up to £39,392.73 per annum FTE, dependent upon experience
Contract: 12-month fixed-term contract
Covering Area: North Nottinghamshire and North Derbyshire
Benefits:
- £1,000 car allowance or Company Car scheme
- 30 days' annual leave, rising to 35 days with length of service
- Bank holidays
- Company pension
- Life Assurance x2
- Employee Discount Scheme
Benefits will be pro-rated for part-time employees.
About Us:
Fostering People is an innovative and developing provider with an Outstanding inspection rating. We have a reputation for providing exceptional support to our children, Foster Parents and dedicated staff team. Established in 2000, our reputation and positive approach has enabled us to achieve growth in the fostering sector. We have received four consecutive Outstanding inspections from Ofsted.
Our 2024 inspection report highlighted the following:
- Staff and managers work proactively and closely with a wide range of involved agencies and professionals. They constantly strive to learn and improve the services that they provide.
- Carers report being very happy working for this agency. They feel that the assessment process is robust and fair. They have excellent support from their supervising social workers, as well as managers in the agency. They attend support groups and regular events with their birth and looked-after children. They feel highly valued and respected as carers.
- Agency staff report exceptionally high levels of satisfaction in their roles. They feel well supported, trained and respected. Training opportunities for staff and carers are excellent.
What We Are Looking For and What to Expect From Us:
We are currently looking to recruit a Senior / Supervising Social Worker for our friendly and dynamic team to work with Foster Parents in North Nottinghamshire and North Derbyshire. You will be responsible for the recruitment, training, assessment, support and supervision of a range of Foster Parents, ensuring high-quality placements for looked-after children.
One of our long-serving, now retired, Supervising Social Workers said this about her experience of working for Fostering People:
"Fostering People are a fantastic company to work for where you really feel as though you can make a difference to children's lives. You will feel well supported by your line manager and also by senior management - it's a very open and inclusive environment where you feel able to share your ideas and have them listened to. Working at Fostering People gives you the opportunity to enhance your skills and knowledge and to develop your specific areas of interest."
About You:
An enthusiastic and committed self-starter with the ability to work independently while also keeping in touch with team members and Foster Parents. The successful candidate will have excellent assessment skills and will be a strong communicator, both written and verbal, with good IT skills and the ability to produce a high standard of report writing. You will need to be a qualified Social Worker and hold current Social Work England registration. Recent experience in fostering and children's services is desirable, although less experienced candidates will be considered. You will possess a good working knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and procedures in relation to fostering and safeguarding.
As an innovative agency, we are seeking applicants who possess a real drive and share our creative vision, whether you're new to fostering or an experienced Supervising Social Worker.
Contact:
If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, please contact Laura Wicks, Service Manager, on 07587 669492. To be considered, please submit an application and we will be in touch to discuss.
Fostering People is an equal opportunities employer and has been awarded Disability Confident Employer status by Jobcentre Plus. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Senior / Supervising Social Worker in Chesterfield employer: Fostering People
Fostering People is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Located in Nottingham, the role of Education Coordinator comes with generous benefits including up to 35 days of annual leave, a company pension, and a comprehensive employee discount scheme, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about fostering and education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior / Supervising Social Worker in Chesterfield
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Fostering People, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Fostering People. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Fostering People's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Fostering People. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Fostering People.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fostering People
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Fostering People.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Senior / Supervising Social Worker at Fostering People.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Fostering People that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Senior / Supervising Social Worker role.
