At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct kinship fostering assessments and support carers to improve outcomes for children.
- Company: Join Kent Fostering Service, a supportive team focused on quality care.
- Benefits: Car allowance, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to flexibility and support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Passionate social worker 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 jo.deane@kent.gov.uk 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 in West Malling employer: Kent County Council
Kent Fostering Service offers a rewarding opportunity for Fostering Social Workers to join a supportive and established team at Worrall House, Kings Hill. With a strong focus on quality assessments and positive outcomes for children and families, employees benefit from a flexible work culture, competitive car allowances, and opportunities for professional growth in a diverse and inclusive environment. This role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact in the community but also provides the chance to develop your skills in a dynamic and evolving service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fostering Social Worker - Kinship Assessment Team in West Malling
✨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.
We think you need these skills to ace Fostering Social Worker - Kinship Assessment Team in West Malling
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for fostering and kinship shine through. We want to see how motivated you are to make a difference in the lives of children and families.
Be Organised:Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. We appreciate candidates who can present their thoughts clearly and concisely, just like you would in an assessment.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to showcase your experience with evidence-based assessments and your knowledge of fostering regulations. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running!
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, so we can start the conversation about your future with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Fostering Regulations and National Minimum Standards. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just passionate about fostering, but also knowledgeable about the legal framework that supports it.
✨Showcase Your Presentation Skills
Since you'll be presenting assessments to the fostering panel, practice your presentation skills ahead of time. Consider doing a mock presentation with a friend or colleague to get comfortable articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Demonstrate Organisation and Discipline
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your ability to meet tight deadlines and stay organised. This role requires a high level of discipline, so be ready to discuss how you manage your time effectively.
✨Engage with the Team Around the Child
Be prepared to talk about your experience working collaboratively with other professionals. Highlight any instances where you've successfully worked as part of a team to achieve positive outcomes for children and families, as this is crucial in kinship assessments.
