At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and supervise foster parents, ensuring high standards of care for children.
- Company: Pioneering independent foster care agency with over 30 years of experience.
- Benefits: Up to £39,500 salary, car allowance, generous leave, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working collaboratively with dedicated professionals.
- 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 Hove 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. Located in Ashurst, Southampton, we offer a collaborative work culture that values the contributions of our staff, alongside competitive benefits such as a £3,000 car allowance, generous annual leave, and a comprehensive medical cash plan. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and foster parents, while enjoying a fulfilling career with ample opportunities for development.
Contact Details:
Integrated Services Programme Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supervising Social Worker - Fostering in Hove
✨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 Integrated Services Programme.
✨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 Integrated Services Programme!
✨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 Integrated Services Programme, 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 Integrated Services Programme 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 - Fostering in Hove
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 Integrated Services Programme:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Integrated Services Programme! 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 Integrated Services Programme
✨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.
