At a Glance
- Tasks: Support foster care excellence, supervise social workers, and manage safeguarding concerns.
- Company: Join the UK's first independent foster care agency with over 30 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £3,000 car allowance, 30 days annual leave, and a company pension.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must hold a recognised Social Work qualification and have experience with children and families.
- Other info: Flexible part-time hours with a focus on therapeutic fostering approaches.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 40000 £ per year.
Fostering Social Worker
Contract type: Part Time
Salary: Up to £40,000 prorated depending on experience
Location: Cheam, Surrey
Contract term: Permanent
Hours: 28 hours (4 days) per week 9am – 5pm
Benefits: £3,000 Car Allowance, 30 days Annual Leave (rising to 35 days\’ with length of service) + Bank Holidays, Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme (all benefits will be prorated)
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.
Responsibilities
ISP Enfield and South London is currently seeking a qualified and experienced Social Worker to work within an integrated team, towards promoting the excellence of foster care practice throughout the organisation. To support the Recruitment and Panel process for Fostering Households
- Supervision of Independent Social Workers including Form F Assessors and Panel Members
- Overseeing the development of Form F Assessments
- Organising and conducting annual reviews
- Quality assurance
- Delivery of Skills to Foster training courses
- Managing safeguarding concerns and complaints
- Carer recruitment activities
- The role is very diverse and enables social workers to develop and build on their skill base in all arenas of fostering
Requirements
This is an exciting and varied Social Work role, responsibilities included are:
- Hold a Social Care England recognised qualification in Social Work or equivalent
- Previous experience with children and families social work
- Previous experience or a want to work in a therapeutic model of child care
- Previous experience in the recruitment of Fostering Households
- Previous experience in Fostering Panels
- A comprehensive working knowledge of all relevant legislation pertaining to children\’s services as well as publications
- Ability to provide a high standard of report writing
- Full driving licence with unrestricted access to your own car
The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS Check, 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
INDCOMHP
Fostering Social Worker in Sutton employer: ISP
Contact Detail:
ISP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fostering Social Worker in Sutton
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the therapeutic approach to fostering that ISP pioneered. Understanding this model will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the values and practices that are central to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of ISP or similar organisations. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during your discussions with us.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with fostering panels and recruitment processes. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully contributed to these areas, as they are key responsibilities for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on relevant legislation and publications related to children's services. Being knowledgeable about current laws and best practices will show us that you're proactive and well-prepared for the challenges of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Fostering Social Worker in Sutton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in social work, particularly with children and families. Emphasise any previous roles that involved fostering or therapeutic models of care.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for fostering and your understanding of the therapeutic approach. Mention specific experiences that align with the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your Social Care England recognised qualification and any additional training or certifications that relate to fostering or child welfare. This will demonstrate your commitment to the field.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, highlight skills such as report writing, managing safeguarding concerns, and conducting assessments. Provide examples of how you've successfully used these skills in past roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at ISP
✨Understand the Therapeutic Approach
Familiarise yourself with the therapeutic model of child care that the company employs. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to this approach and share any relevant experiences you've had in similar settings.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your previous experience with children and families, especially in fostering or social work roles. Be ready to provide specific examples of challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Know the Legislation
Brush up on the relevant legislation pertaining to children's services. Demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of these laws will show your commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage safeguarding concerns. Think about past situations where you successfully navigated complex issues and be ready to discuss them.