At a Glance
- Tasks: Assess, supervise, and train foster carers while promoting a supportive practice philosophy.
- Company: Join Croydon Council, a diverse employer committed to excellent social work services for children and families.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; inclusive employer welcoming diverse applicants.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team focused on making positive changes in children's lives.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified social worker with experience in assessments and supervising foster carers.
Social Work Assessor & Supervisor - Family & Friends Service - Children - Croydon Council
Salary: Grade 14 (£53,172 - £55,323)
Retention Payment: £1,500
Permanent - 36 hours per week
Hybrid working
The Opportunity
Our family and friends team is growing. We are looking for highly experienced individual who is fully qualified social worker to join us and work together in driving the service forward. The successful candidate will assess, supervise and train our carers. The role will involve you using a range of systemic ideas in your work, including promoting a practice philosophy which seeks to empower service users, build on individual strengths, and develop strategies which support them to understand, manage and respond to risk.
Essential Requirements
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Qualified and registered Social Worker (SWE Registration required).
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Experience in assessments, supervising and providing training for fostering carers.
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Excellent written and verbal communications are essential, so too is a creative approach to getting compelling messages across.
Working knowledge of national policy and developments regarding children\'s social care, and policy areas that impact on children\'s social care. -
Demonstrable working knowledge of relevant fostering legislation, statutory guidance, standards and procedures.
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Ability to engage and develop effective professional relationships with applicants, children and families to achieve sustainable positive outcomes.
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Ability to assess applicants, children and families holistically in relation to their capacity and ability to provide care for Children Looked After.
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Evidence of building effective relationships with children, families and other professionals.
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Experience of undertaking effective, analytical and evidence based assessments.
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Experience of working with foster carers or those in assessment
Why Join Us
In Croydon, our Children\'s Services has an established Systemic Practice model, experienced leaders, and high support for practitioners. Croydon people and staff are diverse, and we celebrate difference through focus on anti-racist and anti-discriminatory practice. We are committed to delivering excellent social work practice and services to our children and families. As well as this we also offer the following:
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Our teams consist of experienced Social Workers at various levels
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Join a highly diverse workforce
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Reflective supervision is actively promoted and supported.
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The ethos at Croydon is very much about working together to make positive change
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Caseloads of Social Workers are very manageable enabling managers to know children well & ensure high standards of practice
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You will join an established team who can help you settle in and offer their expertise.
Benefits
You will be valued for your skills and expertise, supported by the team of experienced professionals, as well as the management at Croydon Council, one of the largest employers in the borough. We also offer:
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Highly competitive compensation package
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Accredited Systemic Practice training
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A range of CPD opportunities
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29-31 days (grade equivalent) annual leave in addition to Bank Holidays and option to purchase more
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A pension scheme with an average employer contribution of 20%
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Continuing Professional Development - genuine opportunities to grow, develop and specialise in your career
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Management development programmes
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Investment into your wellbeing
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Access to Employee Discount scheme with a range of programmes (Cycle Benefit Scheme, GymFlex, Retail Discounts and more)
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We promote flexible & hybrid working arrangements where possible to support a healthy work-life balance.
To view the Social Work Assessor and Supervisor role profile click here
Closing date: Sunday 14 September
Shortlisting W/C 15 September 2025
Interviews W/C 22 September 2025
Interviews: W/C 18 August 2025
Disclaimer
Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.
Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The Successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check which allows them to work with children.
Social Work Assessor & Supervisor in Croydon employer: London Borough of Croydon
Croydon Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Social Work Assessors & Supervisors. With a focus on professional development, manageable caseloads, and a commitment to anti-racist and anti-discriminatory practices, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. The council provides competitive compensation, extensive training opportunities, and promotes a healthy work-life balance through flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Assessor & Supervisor in Croydon
✨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 London Borough of Croydon.
✨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 London Borough of Croydon!
✨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 London Borough of Croydon, 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 London Borough of Croydon 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 Social Work Assessor & Supervisor in Croydon
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 London Borough of Croydon:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to London Borough of Croydon! 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 London Borough of Croydon
✨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.
