At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and supervise foster parents, ensuring high standards and compliance.
- Company: Pioneering independent foster care agency with over 30 years of experience.
- Benefits: Up to £39,500 salary, £3,000 car allowance, 30-35 days leave, and medical cash plan.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working collaboratively with foster parents.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in children and families social work.
The predicted salary is between 39500 - 39500 £ per year.
Base Location: Ashurst, Southampton
Salary: Up to £39,500 per annum
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
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
About Us:
Set up in 1987 by a small but passionate group of foster parents, we became the UK's first independent foster care agency. That gives us the benefit of over 30 years of fostering experience and we're still going strong! The founder members recognised that looked after children - especially those who'd had very difficult starts in life - needed specialist support. So right from the beginning they put the child at the centre of their thinking and surrounded them with an integrated range of support services. In fact, that's what ISP means: Integrated Service Programme. Over time, this circle of support has increased to include a whole range of professionals that children and foster parents can tap into, whenever they need to. This includes social workers, fostering advisors, teachers and therapists, who all work with our foster parents and the children they look after, helping them understand and manage even the most challenging situations. This is what's known as a 'therapeutic approach' to fostering and it's something that we pioneered.
Requirements:
ISP Sussex, Hampshire and Dorset is currently seeking a qualified and experienced Social Worker or Senior 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, as is holding a full driving licence and having unrestricted access to your own car. 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. Full driving licence with unrestricted access to your own car.
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, the cost of which will be met by ISP. ISP is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. ISP 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 - Fostering in Ashurst employer: Integrated Services Programme
At ISP, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and nurturing employer, dedicated to the professional growth of our Supervising Social Workers in Ashurst, Southampton. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and a therapeutic approach to fostering, we offer extensive benefits including a generous car allowance, 30 days of annual leave, and a comprehensive employee discount scheme, all within a culture that values the well-being of both our staff and the children we serve. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career in a pioneering independent foster care agency.
Contact Details:
Integrated Services Programme Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supervising Social Worker - Fostering in Ashurst
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience with fostering. They might know about job openings or can even refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of relevant legislation and best practices in fostering. We want you to showcase your expertise and passion for supporting foster parents and children during those crucial conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on organisations that align with your values. Check out our website for opportunities at ISP, where you can make a real difference in the lives of children and families.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Supervising Social Worker - Fostering in Ashurst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of a Supervising Social Worker. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in report writing and working collaboratively with foster parents make you a great fit. We want to see real examples of your work!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your passion for fostering shines through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Integrated Services Programme
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the relevant legislation and publications related to children's services. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just qualified, but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've collaborated with foster parents or worked within a multi-disciplinary team. This will help demonstrate your ability to work effectively in the role and highlight your understanding of the fostering process.
✨Practice Your Report Writing
Since being an excellent report writer is crucial for this position, consider bringing a sample of your previous reports to discuss during the interview. This will give you a chance to showcase your writing skills and attention to detail.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the agency's approach to fostering and how they support their social workers. This shows that you're engaged and serious about the role, plus it gives you a better understanding of what to expect.
