At a Glance
- Tasks: Support kinship foster families and ensure safe environments for children in care.
- Company: Join Lancashire County Council's dedicated Fostering Kinship Support Team.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, generous leave, local authority pension, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working collaboratively with families.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England Registration and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Part-time role with excellent training and development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 29291 - 32700 £ per year.
This role is based in Chorley and covers North and Central Lancashire with occasional travel outside the area. Part time (18.5 hours per week); salary £36,363 - £40,777 per annum (full-time equivalent) pro rata for part-time hours. International sponsorship is not available.
We have a dedicated Social Worker to join our Fostering Kinship Support Team North and Central in Chorley. The role is a Supervising Social Worker (SSW) who ensures safe, stable and supportive environments for children in kinship foster care. The SSW acts as the professional anchor for kinship foster families, balancing supervision, support, assessment, safeguarding and advocacy to promote child-centred care and positive outcomes for kinship carers and children.
This position is part-time; the salary quoted is the full-time equivalent and the actual salary will be paid on a pro-rata basis. Access to a car and the ability to travel are essential.
Responsibilities- Provide supervision, support, assessment, safeguarding and advocacy for kinship foster carers and their families.
- Contribute to care planning and ensure timely progression of children’s plans in partnership with Lancashire's Children’s Social Care teams.
- Collaborate with professionals to meet the needs of children and carers using a strengths-based approach.
We are seeking a dedicated, qualified Social Worker who holds Social Work England Registration. You will be a collaborative communicator with the ability to work with children, carers and professionals, and you will be reflective in your practice.
- Social Work England registration (essential).
- Passionate about helping kinship carers and families navigate the fostering role.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to adapt to different situations and respond appropriately.
- Willingness to travel across North and Central Lancashire; access to a car is essential.
- Flexible working arrangements supporting work life balance.
- 26 days annual leave rising with length of service, 8 Bank Holidays, plus additional days at Christmas (pro rata for part-time staff).
- Generous local authority pension with AVC options.
- Employee assistance, support groups, cycle to work and other wellbeing benefits.
- Commitment to training, development and flexible working to attract diverse talent.
Up-to-date CV and Supporting Statement. For queries about the role, please contact Susan Stephenson, Team Manager, for an informal discussion: email Susan.stephenson2@lancashire.gov.uk or tel. 01772 534662. Closing Date: 16th January 2026.
Social Worker | Fostering - Kinship Team | Chorley employer: Lancashire County Council
Contact Detail:
Lancashire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker | Fostering - Kinship Team | Chorley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience in fostering. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to kinship care and child safeguarding. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for supporting kinship families during interviews. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to child-centred care and advocacy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker | Fostering - Kinship Team | Chorley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your relevant experience in social work, especially any roles related to fostering or kinship care. Tailor it to showcase your skills that align with the job description.
Write a Strong Supporting Statement: This is your chance to shine! Use the supporting statement to explain why you're passionate about helping kinship carers and how your experience makes you a perfect fit for the role. Be specific and relate your past experiences to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Social Worker, communication is key. Make sure your application reflects your ability to communicate effectively. Use clear, concise language and ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors. We want to see your professionalism right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Lancashire County Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the role of a Supervising Social Worker and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of kinship fostering, safeguarding practices, and the strengths-based approach. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Social Worker, communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with children, families, and professionals in the past. Think about times when you adapted your communication style to suit different situations – this will highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Experience
Reflect on your previous roles and be ready to discuss specific experiences that relate to the responsibilities of this position. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easier for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team dynamics, the support available for kinship carers, or the training opportunities offered. It shows that you’re engaged and thinking about how you can contribute to the team.