At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Social Workers in fostering and adoption assessments, ensuring thorough and timely processes.
- Company: Leicestershire County Council, dedicated to providing safe and loving homes for children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to inclusivity and empowering staff.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience in social care.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in child care or willingness to train; strong admin and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 28605 - 31029 £ per year.
Organisation: Leicestershire County Council
Work Location: County Hall, Glenfield, Leicester, LE3 8RA
Salary: £28,605 - £31,029 per annum (pro rata for part time) (pay award pending)
Working Hours: 16 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 6th August 2026
Interview Date(s): 21st August 2026
About the Role
The Fostering and Adoption Assessment Team has a vacancy for a permanent, part-time Support Worker to join our friendly team. The team's work includes undertaking mainstream fostering assessments, private fostering assessments, and non-agency adoption assessments. As a team, we are committed to achieving the very best outcomes for Leicestershire children and ensuring they have safe, stable, and loving homes. We undertake comprehensive and analytical assessments to achieve this aim, and the Stage One work carried out as part of these assessments is vital in ensuring they are thorough and robust.
Our newly created Stage One Support Worker role will support Social Workers in completing these assessments. The role will include tasks such as:
- Monitoring statutory checks and references
- Maintaining accurate records
- Liaising with Social Workers where concerns are identified through statutory checks or references
- Following up on delays that may impact assessment timescales
- Visiting families, where required, to progress Stage One tasks in a timely manner
- Liaising with partner agencies to minimise delays caused by outstanding references
Whilst administrative experience is essential, experience of supporting fostering or adoption assessments would be desirable but is not essential. We are keen to hear from candidates who are enthusiastic, motivated, and eager to learn more about this area of work. We support and empower our staff to be the best they can be. We will provide you with the support and resources you need to work collaboratively with children and families. In return, we offer flexible working arrangements, a supportive and approachable manager, continued professional development opportunities, and a stable and welcoming team that is always on hand to provide advice and support.
An enhanced with barred list DBS check is required for this post. For information on our approach to the recruitment of ex-offenders, please see our policy statement.
About You
To apply for this post, you must:
- NVQ Level 2 in child care, or willingness to undertake training or evidence of child care training
- Experience in an administrative role, together with a commitment to providing high-quality, accurate, and timely support to colleagues and service users
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, including experience of using Microsoft Office and database systems
- The ability to work independently, use your initiative, prioritise competing demands, and manage workloads effectively
- Be able to travel to locations across Leicestershire (and occasionally further afield) and work outside normal office hours when required
- Experience of working with children and families would be desirable, together with a genuine interest in and commitment to learning more about fostering, adoption, and children's social care
- An awareness of the diverse cultural, racial, linguistic, and religious backgrounds of children, young people, and families, and an understanding of the importance of providing inclusive and responsive support
- Knowledge of the factors that can impact the well-being and outcomes of children and families, including child development, attachment, neglect, substance misuse, domestic abuse, and mental health
In addition, we also expect you to share our commitment to our values and to delivering accessible and inclusive services which meet the needs of all of our residents. You will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these commitments as part of the selection process. Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer.
Interested in Flexible Working?
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part time working, job sharing, term-time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service. If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below.
For more information or an informal discussion, please contact: Emily Moss, Team Manager
Assessment Team Stage One Support Worker in Leicester employer: Leicestershire County Council
Leicestershire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at County Hall in Glenfield, Leicester. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, we provide opportunities for meaningful contributions to the community, particularly in supporting children and young people with additional needs. Our inclusive work culture promotes flexibility, collaboration, and innovation, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a real difference in education and inclusion.
Contact Details:
Leicestershire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assessment Team Stage One Support Worker in Leicester
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Leicestershire County Council, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Leicestershire County Council. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Leicestershire County Council's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Assessment Team Stage One Support Worker in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Leicestershire County Council. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Leicestershire County Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leicestershire County Council
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Leicestershire County Council.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Assessment Team Stage One Support Worker at Leicestershire County Council.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Leicestershire County Council that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Assessment Team Stage One Support Worker role.
