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- Tasks: Conduct assessments for Kinship foster carers and prepare reports for panels and courts.
- Company: Join Lancashire's dynamic Fostering Service focused on improving children's care.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, local authority pension, and employee assistance programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England Registration and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace valuing diversity; opportunities for personal growth and mentoring.
The predicted salary is between 30300 - 35800 £ per year.
Salary £36,363 - £40,777 Per Annum | Fixed Term, 37 Hours Per Week | Preston
International Sponsorship – this role is not open to international sponsorship
About Us
Lancashire's Fostering Service is an exciting and dynamic place to work. We are focused on improving our service in co-production with our children, foster carers and staff team. All fostering teams work in partnership with Lancashire's Children's Social Care teams to ensure children’s care plans are progressed with minimum delay and children are provided with the best possible care, attending the required meetings to ensure appropriate planning at the early stages of a child's arrival, when considering Lasting Homes and to support stability for our children and fostering families. The Fostering Service seeks to build positive relationships with professionals working with our families, ensuring a strengths-based approach when meeting our children and carers' needs.
About The Role
As a social worker within the Kinship Assessment team, you'll be responsible for undertaking viability assessments of proposed Kinship foster carers and Special Guardians as well as preparing and assessing prospective Kinship foster carers and Special Guardians. You will have a keen eye for detail, as the role will also involve compiling assessment reports to present to the fostering panel and the Court. Although the team is based in Preston, you will be required to travel across the county as required, therefore access to a car and the ability to drive would be essential.
About You
We’re seeking a dedicated, qualified Social Worker, who holds a Social Work England Registration. In addition to this essential qualification, we’re also looking for Social Workers who are:
- Passionate – We’re searching for social workers motivated by their passion to help others as you’ll be responsible for undertaking viability assessments of proposed Kinship foster carers and Special Guardians as well as preparing and assessing prospective Kinship foster carers and Special Guardians, including compiling assessment reports to present to the fostering panel and the Court.
- Collaborative – We need social workers who are excellent communicators, with the interpersonal skills needed to collaborate well with others. You’ll converse well with the team and have the people skills needed to adapt to each situation and respond in the manner needed. As an experienced social worker you’ll be self-aware and use appropriate language to both children, carers and professionals while being reflective of your approach.
Reasons to join us
Benefits: Flexible working, 26 days annual leave (rises with length of service), 8 Bank Holidays and 2 additional days at Christmas, generous local authority pension with shared AVCs, and a benefits package including Employee Assistance Programme, cycle to work schemes and more.
Development: Support and development along the journey including supervision, opportunities for personal growth, multidisciplinary initiatives, mentoring, apprenticeships, and flexible working to support diverse talent.
Inclusive: We value diversity and are keen to hear from you if you are a person of colour, from the LGBTQ+ community or have a disability.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, click the 'Apply Now' button and submit: Up to date CV Supporting Statement. Should you have any queries regarding the role, please contact Kevin Goosey, Team Manager, for an informal discussion. Email: kevin.goosey@lancashire.gov.uk | Tel: 01257 517294
Closing Date: 8th February 2026
The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful, you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a disclosure. Further information can be found on the "Our Recruitment Process" tab. You must be registered (Social Work England) to be appointed as a Social Worker. You will be required to provide a car for use in connection with the duties of this post and must be insured for business use.
Note: We reserve the right to close a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications.
Social Worker | Permanent & Fixed Term | Fostering - Kinship Assessment | Preston employer: Lancashire County Council
Contact Detail:
Lancashire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker | Permanent & Fixed Term | Fostering - Kinship Assessment | Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in the fostering sector, especially those at Lancashire's Fostering Service. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of kinship assessments and the specific needs of foster carers. Show us your passion for helping others and how you can contribute to the team’s collaborative spirit.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job openings; be proactive! Keep an eye on our website for any new roles and apply as soon as they pop up. The early bird catches the worm, right?
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview with a thank-you email. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker | Permanent & Fixed Term | Fostering - Kinship Assessment | Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of a Social Worker in Kinship Assessment. Highlight your relevant experience and qualifications, especially your Social Work England Registration. We want to see how your skills align with our mission to provide the best care for children.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about fostering and how your collaborative skills can benefit our team. Be specific about your experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a social worker, communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with children, carers, and professionals. Use clear and professional language, and don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've successfully navigated challenging conversations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s straightforward and ensures your application reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a social worker, especially in kinship assessments. Brush up on relevant legislation and best practices in fostering to show you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable.
✨Showcase Your Passion
During the interview, share specific examples that highlight your dedication to helping children and families. Talk about experiences where you’ve made a positive impact, as this will resonate with the values of the fostering service.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Prepare to discuss how you’ve worked effectively with other professionals in the past. Use examples that illustrate your communication skills and ability to adapt to different situations, which are crucial for this role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how they measure success in their fostering service. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
