At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Kinship Assessment Team to support children and families through fostering assessments.
- Company: Kent Fostering Service, dedicated to improving outcomes for children.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, car allowance, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Passionate about fostering, with strong presentation and assessment skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This continues to be an exciting time to join Kent Fostering Service as our three Kinship Assessment Teams, established across the county two years ago, are now well embedded and evolving in response to learning and service demand. We are looking to recruit a Fostering Social Worker to join our team based at Worrall House, Kings Hill. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a service that has moved from its initial development phase into a more established, forward-looking model of practice, with a strong focus on quality assessments and positive outcomes for children and families.
Alongside undertaking Kinship Fostering Assessments, you will be completing Special Guardianship Assessments; Viability Assessments; and delivering preparatory training to Kinship Carers. You will also be required to present assessments to the fostering panel and at times attend court therefore it is essential to have excellent presentation skills and a confident and articulate manner. Part of your role will be to undertake statutory supervision and support for Kinship Foster Carers whilst in the assessment process, working collaboratively with the team around the child, to achieve the very best outcomes.
You will need to show that you are disciplined, highly organised and able to meet very tight deadlines. This is a great opportunity to be joining an established team and a supportive fostering service whose goals are to improve the outcomes of children through completing thorough kinship assessments along with delivering preparation courses for carers to equip them with the knowledge and skills to care for their relatives/friends.
Skills and experience:- A motivated social work practitioner, passionate about fostering and kinship and providing quality care for children who have experienced trauma.
- Disciplined, highly organised and able to work to tight deadlines.
- Strong presentation skills and a confident and articulate style.
- Sound interpersonal skills with proven experience of completing evidence-based and high-quality, analytical assessments with adults and children.
- Knowledge of Fostering Regulations, National Minimum Standards and the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review Regulations.
- Work with Case Management systems and ensure management information is maintained.
- Ability to work flexible hours to fit with the needs of kinship carers. This will include some evenings and weekends.
- Ability to travel in a timely and effective manner across Kent and also out of county.
The post holder will receive a car allowance and the market premium (as per criteria). This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure application to the Disclosure and Barring service and registration as a qualified Social Worker with Social Work England. This role is subject to holding a Full UK Driving Licence – The Council is committed to making reasonable adjustments so whilst this job requires the jobholder to drive your application will still be considered if you are unable to drive due to a disability.
This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification.
Closing date Thursday 25th June 2026. Interviews to be held on Monday 6th July in Ashford. Please contact Jo Deane (Team Manager, Kinship Assessment 1- Worrall House) via email with any questions regarding the role.
About the Company: Work that works for you and us - let's talk flexibility! KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.
Please note - if you are interested, please apply soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.
Location: Worrall House, West Malling, United Kingdom.
Fostering Social Worker - Kinship Assessment Team employer: Kent County Council
Kent Fostering Service is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. Located in the supportive environment of Worrall House, Kings Hill, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth through training and development initiatives. The organisation values diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that all team members can thrive and contribute to high-quality kinship assessments and support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fostering Social Worker - Kinship Assessment Team
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team and the service! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Kent Fostering Service and its Kinship Assessment Teams. Understanding their values and recent developments will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your presentation skills! Since you'll need to present assessments to the fostering panel, it’s crucial to be confident and articulate. Grab a friend or family member and run through your presentation style. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! During the interview, share examples of how you've managed tight deadlines and complex cases in the past. This will demonstrate that you can handle the demands of the role and keep everything running smoothly.
✨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 that you’re proactive and keen to join our fantastic team at Kent Fostering Service. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Fostering Social Worker - Kinship Assessment Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for fostering and kinship shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in the lives of children and families.
Be Organised:Since this role requires discipline and organisation, make sure your application reflects that. Keep it structured, clear, and concise. We appreciate a well-organised application that meets deadlines!
Highlight Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your strong presentation skills and interpersonal abilities. We’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively, so make sure to include examples of how you've done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fostering regulations and the specific responsibilities of a Fostering Social Worker. Familiarise yourself with the Kinship Assessment process, as well as the types of assessments you'll be conducting. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand it inside out.
✨Showcase Your Skills
During the interview, highlight your strong presentation skills and articulate manner. You might be asked to present an assessment or discuss a case study, so practice explaining your thought process clearly and confidently. Remember, they want to see how you communicate complex information effectively.
✨Demonstrate Organisation
Since the role requires discipline and the ability to meet tight deadlines, come prepared with examples of how you've managed your time and organised your workload in previous roles. Share specific instances where you successfully juggled multiple tasks or met challenging deadlines.
✨Be Personable
Interpersonal skills are key in this role, so be ready to discuss how you've built relationships with colleagues, kinship carers, and children in your past experiences. Show that you can work collaboratively and supportively within a team, as well as with external stakeholders.
