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- Tasks: Support and supervise foster parents while ensuring high standards of care.
- Company: Join the UK's first independent foster care agency with over 30 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £3,000 car allowance, 30-35 days annual leave, and a company pension.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while working in a supportive, collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Must hold a recognised Social Work qualification and have experience in children and families social work.
- Other info: This role requires an enhanced DBS check, which will be covered by ISP.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 44000 £ per year.
Supervising Social Worker
Contract type: 1-year fixed term Maternity Cover Contract
Salary: From £37,000 depending on experience
Hours: 35 hours per week
Location: Rainham, Kent
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
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 Rainham 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 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 carers. 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, 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.
INDCOMMP
Locations
Supervising Social Worker in Gillingham, Kent employer: ISP
Contact Detail:
ISP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supervising Social Worker in Gillingham, Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Integrated Service Programme (ISP) model that we use. Understanding our therapeutic approach to fostering will help you demonstrate your alignment with our values during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Supervising Social Workers in similar roles. They can provide insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges, which will prepare you for potential questions in the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of your experience working collaboratively with foster parents and multi-disciplinary teams. Highlighting specific instances where you've successfully navigated complex situations will showcase your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the latest legislation and best practices in children's services. Being well-versed in current policies will not only impress us but also demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards in social work.
We think you need these skills to ace Supervising Social Worker in Gillingham, Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in social work, particularly with foster parents and children. Emphasise your qualifications and any specific training that aligns with the role.
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 demonstrate your ability to support foster parents and work collaboratively.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on skills such as report writing, time management, and your ability to work under pressure. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed caseloads and maintained high standards in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in social work.
How to prepare for a job interview at ISP
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what a Supervising Social Worker does, especially in the context of fostering. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities outlined in the job description and think about how your experience aligns with them.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with foster parents and children. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams or managed challenging situations, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Know the Legislation
Brush up on relevant legislation pertaining to children's services. Being able to discuss current laws and guidelines will show that you are knowledgeable and serious about safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the agency's approach to fostering or how they support their social workers. It shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
