At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and supervise foster parents while ensuring high standards of care for children.
- Company: Join the UK's first independent foster care agency with over 30 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, generous leave, and a company pension.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through a collaborative and supportive approach.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in children and families social work.
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 Totton 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 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 with over 30 years of experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supervising Social Worker - Fostering in Totton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fostering and social work community. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people who might know about job openings or can give you insider tips on the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching ISP's values and approach. Understand their therapeutic model of fostering and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission. This shows you're genuinely interested and committed!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable talking about your experiences with foster parents and children, and how you've handled challenging situations. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're proactive and serious about joining our team at ISP.
We think you need these skills to ace Supervising Social Worker - Fostering in Totton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for fostering shine through! We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in the lives of children and foster parents.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match what we're looking for in a Supervising Social Worker. This helps us see how you'd fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured writing that gets straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Remember, we’re looking for excellent report writers!
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’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at ISP
✨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 role.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with foster parents and other professionals, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your ability to build relationships and work as part of a team.
✨Demonstrate Your Report Writing Skills
As an excellent report writer, you should prepare to discuss your experience in this area. Bring along samples if possible, or be ready to explain how you ensure clarity and compliance in your documentation.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in challenging situations. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you’ve had to navigate complex issues, especially in fostering contexts.
