At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and supervise foster parents, ensuring high standards and compliance.
- Company: Established fostering agency with nearly 30 years of experience.
- Benefits: £3,000 car allowance, 30-35 days annual leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives by providing stability and support.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in children and families social work.
The predicted salary is between 22200 - 37000 £ per year.
Base Location: Stonehouse
Hours: 17.5 hours per week (2.5 days per week)
Working Pattern: Wed: 9am - 12.30pm, Thurs & Fri: 9am - 5pm
Salary: £37,000 prorated
Benefits: £3,000 Car Allowance, 30 days' Annual Leave (increasing to 35 days with length of service) + Bank Holidays, Company Pension, Life Assurance x2, Employee Discount Scheme & Medical Cash Plan (all benefits will be prorated)
About Us: Founded in 1996, we have nearly 30 years' continuous experience as an independent fostering agency. Continuity is important to us, and we look to create it in everything we do - most critically, for the children and young people we look after. Many who enter our care have experienced a disrupted childhood and our aim is to break this cycle and provide more stability. We do this by carefully matching the right foster parents to the right children, and making sure we are always on hand with support, guidance and help. Our expertise helps ensure more successful placements - and that is exactly the sort of continuity we want. This commitment is spelt out in our mission which is to 'provide positive and stable family environments for the children and young people placed with our carers and ensure that, with the support of our carers, they can thrive emotionally and academically.'
Requirements:
- Fosterplus Stonehouse is currently seeking a qualified and experienced Social Worker who is enthusiastic, committed and has an appreciation of the role of the foster parent and their skills.
- We ask our Social Workers to take a collaborative approach with foster parents in order to promote meaningful and relevant supervision of placements.
- Experience of working with foster parents as professional colleagues and working within a multi-discipline arena is essential.
- Holding a full driving licence, being a confident driver and having unrestricted access to your own car is required.
- This is a demanding position which includes both a quality assurance role to maintain high standards and a training role to prospective and current foster parents.
- You will be an excellent report writer and able to work to strict deadlines.
- Hold a Social Care England recognised qualification in Social Work or equivalent.
- Previous experience of children and families social work.
- A comprehensive working knowledge of all relevant legislation pertaining to children's services as well as publications.
- Good IT skills.
- Able to be flexible as to working pattern and travel.
Responsibilities:
- Direct support of foster parents within a realistic caseload which enables a high level of supervision.
- Provide regular supervision to allocated foster parents, enabling and monitoring their practice and ensuring their compliance with regulatory standards.
- To work in partnership with children, young people and foster parents and other professionals, local authorities and stakeholders, enabling full participation in assessment, planning, review and decision making relating to safeguarding and child protection.
The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS Check, cost of which will be met by Fosterplus.
Fosterplus is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. Fosterplus is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
Supervising Social Worker in Stonehouse employer: FosterPlus
Fosterplus is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the children they serve. With generous benefits including a £3,000 car allowance, 30 days of annual leave, and opportunities for professional growth, our team members are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of foster families. Located in Stonehouse, we foster a collaborative environment where social workers can thrive while ensuring stability and continuity for the children in our care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supervising Social Worker in Stonehouse
✨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 FosterPlus.
✨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 FosterPlus!
✨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 FosterPlus, 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 FosterPlus 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 in Stonehouse
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 FosterPlus:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to FosterPlus! 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 FosterPlus
✨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.
