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 annual leave, and more.
- 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: South London - Cheam
Salary: Up to £39,500 per annum
Contract: Full Time
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 Services 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 South London is currently seeking a qualified and experienced Supervising Social Worker who is enthusiastic, committed and has an appreciation of the role of the foster parent and their skills. We ask our Supervising 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 Cheam employer: ISP
At ISP, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and nurturing employer, dedicated to the professional growth of our Supervising Social Workers in South London. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and a therapeutic approach to fostering, we offer extensive benefits including a generous annual leave policy, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive employee discount scheme. Our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children ensures that you will be part of a meaningful mission, surrounded by a passionate team that values your contributions and encourages your development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supervising Social Worker - Fostering in Cheam
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fostering sector, attend relevant events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching ISP's values and approach to fostering. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their therapeutic approach and how you can contribute to their mission. Show them you're not just a fit on paper but also in spirit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable talking about your experiences with foster parents and children, and be prepared to share specific examples that highlight your collaborative approach and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of the ISP family and committed to making a difference in the lives of children and foster parents.
We think you need these skills to ace Supervising Social Worker - Fostering in Cheam
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for fostering shine through! We want to see how committed you are to supporting children and foster parents. Share your experiences that highlight your dedication to making a difference.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Supervising Social Worker role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in working with foster parents and children. We love seeing how your skills align with our therapeutic approach to fostering!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about who we are and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at ISP
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fostering legislation and the therapeutic approach to fostering. Being able to discuss relevant policies and how they impact foster parents will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully collaborated with foster parents or worked in a multi-disciplinary team. This will help demonstrate your ability to provide meaningful supervision and support, which is crucial for this position.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Come prepared with questions that show your interest in the agency's approach and values. For instance, ask about their training programmes for foster parents or how they measure the success of their placements. This shows you're engaged and thinking critically about the role.
✨Be Yourself
While professionalism is key, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. The agency values commitment and enthusiasm, so being genuine about your passion for supporting children and families can make a lasting impression.
