Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support foster carers and children in care through regular supervision and relationship building.
- Company: Join Hampshire Children's Services, an outstanding local authority fostering agency.
- Benefits: Gain extensive experience, develop skills, and work in a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Strong communication, organisation, and networking skills; understanding of social work issues required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with diverse audiences and enhance your professional development.
Hampshire Children's Services is rated outstanding by Ofsted. Hampshire County Council's fostering agency (branded Fostering Hampshire Children) is a local authority owned fostering agency recruiting and supporting foster carers for children who are unable to live with their own families, either until they can return home or, sometimes, until adulthood. There are currently approximately 506 fostering households registered with Hampshire County Council.
Hampshire County Council's vision is that Hampshire becomes an even better place for children and young people, where all, including those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged, have the best possible start in life and are supported by the whole community to succeed.
We are looking for someone to join the West Fostering Team to offer regular supervision to our foster carers and support those who are caring for Hampshire's children in care. We are looking for a team player, someone who can work independently but also values being in a friendly and supportive team.
As someone who has excellent communication, organisation, and networking skills, you will be part of an established team that strives to maintain the excellent reputation that Hampshire already has. You will be Line Managed by the Fostering Team Manager or Assistant Team Manager and join a Team of other Social Workers and Child and Family Support Workers.
You will have an enthusiasm for continuous improvement and possess confidence in your supervision and problem-solving skills, which you will bring to the role. You will be a highly motivated and driven individual, with an understanding of professional social work issues and legal frameworks underpinning fostering and Children in Care. You will have excellent assessment and report writing skills.
You will be instrumental in nurturing positive working relationships between foster carers, children's social workers and other professionals. You will need excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with a diverse range of audiences.
You will have the opportunity to gain extensive experience from this role, gaining skills and experience of fostering, children in care, staying put, Special Guardianships to name a few.
Social Worker (Fostering) employer: Hampshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Hampshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker (Fostering)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Hampshire County Council's fostering policies and procedures. Understanding their specific approach will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former social workers in fostering roles. They can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges, which can help you articulate your fit for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've demonstrated your problem-solving and supervision skills. Having specific examples ready will showcase your experience and suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the latest trends and challenges in fostering and child welfare. Being knowledgeable about current issues will allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker (Fostering)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Social Worker in Fostering. Familiarise yourself with Hampshire Children's Services and their vision for fostering.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in social work, particularly in fostering or working with children in care. Emphasise your communication, organisation, and networking skills, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and your understanding of the challenges faced by foster carers. Mention specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your problem-solving and supervision skills.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors. Ensure that your application is clear, concise, and free of typos, as attention to detail is vital in this profession.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hampshire County Council
✨Show Your Passion for Fostering
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with children and foster carers. Share any personal experiences or motivations that led you to pursue a career in social work, particularly in fostering.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key in this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with diverse audiences. Think about situations where you've resolved conflicts or built relationships, as these will showcase your interpersonal skills.
✨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you approached solving them. This will demonstrate your confidence in supervision and your ability to think critically under pressure.
✨Understand the Legal Framework
Familiarise yourself with the legal frameworks surrounding fostering and children in care. Being able to discuss relevant legislation and its implications will show your understanding of professional social work issues, which is crucial for the role.
