At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Kinship Assessment Team to support children and families through comprehensive assessments.
- Company: Gloucestershire County Council, committed to improving outcomes for children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, welcome and retention payments, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with strong support and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work, full driving licence, and DBS clearance required.
The predicted salary is between 40777 - 40777 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting for a Fostering Social Worker to join our dedicated Kinship Assessment Team in Gloucester.
Reward and Support
- Between £39,152 – £40,777 per annum subject to experience (pro rata for part-time staff)
- £4,000 welcome payment
- £2,000 retention payment
- Up to £8,000 relocation package
- Flexible and agile working opportunities
- 25.5 days annual leave rising to 30.5 days after 5 years continuous service (pro rata for part-time staff)
- Option to purchase 10 days of additional leave per year (pro rata for part-time staff)
- Family friendly policies and benefits to help support you and your family
- Supportive and positive working environment with regular, robust supervision
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that provides free, confidential counselling and advice for employees, available 24 hours a day, online and by telephone
- An in-house Occupational Health service
- Employee discount scheme
- Links to employee networks such as Prism (LGBT+) and the Young Employees Network
- Career development and qualification opportunities
- Access to our Social Work Academy
- Cycle to Work scheme (eligibility criteria and t&cs apply)
- Green Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme (eligibility criteria and t&cs apply)
*Please note that all our welcome and retention payments are subject to terms and conditions as well as tax and national insurance deductions.
*Please note that our relocation policy is subject to terms and conditions.
About the team
Our Kinship Assessment Team is a dynamic, supportive and fast-paced team working country-wide. We specialise in assessing family members and connected persons who are being considered as carers for children who cannot remain with their birth parents. As a dedicated assessment team, we complete Form K assessments for potential kinship foster carers and Special Guardianship Order (SGO) assessments, ensuring children are able to remain within their family networks wherever it is safe and appropriate. We are a busy and high-performing team, committed to delivering high-quality, evidence and strength-based assessments within statutory timescales. Team members are well-supported through regular supervision, peer collaboration and ongoing professional development.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Social Worker to join our country-wide Kinship Assessment Team. We undertake comprehensive Form K assessments of family members and connected persons. Responsibilities include:
- Conducting home visits, supervisions, unannounced visits, interviews and assessments to evaluate suitability and safeguarding risks.
- Supporting Kinship carers through the assessment process.
- Analysing complex family dynamics and presenting clear, evidence-based recommendations for either fostering or SGO.
- Working in partnership with children’s social work teams, legal services and external agencies.
- Attending and contributing to fostering panels and court processes where required.
- Managing a varied caseload within statutory timescales.
- Ensuring the child’s voice and best interests remain central to all assessments.
This is a country-wide role, requiring travel and flexibility.
About you
If you are passionate about keeping children connected to their families and have the skills to deliver high-quality assessments in a busy team, we would love to hear from you. Requirements include:
- A full driving licence and willingness to drive.
- DBS clearance (Enhanced Adults and Children’s).
- To have completed your ASYE year (if you qualified after 2012).
How to apply
For an informal chat about this role, please contact Cheryl.Lodge@gloucestershire.gov.uk.
Fostering Social Worker in Gloucester employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Gloucestershire County Council is an exceptional employer for Fostering Social Workers, offering a supportive and positive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With competitive salaries, generous leave policies, and access to a comprehensive Social Work Academy, employees are empowered to thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. The council's commitment to systemic social work practice and its recent 'Good' rating from Ofsted further highlight its dedication to fostering a culture where staff feel valued and heard.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fostering Social Worker in Gloucester
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Kirklees Metropolitan Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Kirklees Metropolitan Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Kirklees Metropolitan Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Kirklees Metropolitan Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Fostering Social Worker in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Kirklees Metropolitan Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Kirklees Metropolitan Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
