Fostering Assessment Social Worker - Regional Fostering Recruitment

Fostering Assessment Social Worker - Regional Fostering Recruitment

Posted 28th Oct, 2026

Location

Waltham Forest

Working pattern

– – 36 hours per week

Working arrangements

Office based

8th Nov, 2026

Incentives

This role is subject to a retention bonus of £2,000 per annum (subject to eligibility requirements).

About the role

Bursting with culture, energy, and opportunity, the London Borough of Waltham Forest is a fantastic and exciting place to work. This is an exciting opportunity to join the regional recruitment and assessment team, working across Havering, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest to recruit, assess and support prospective foster carers.

The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering high-quality fostering assessments, supporting applicants through the assessment process, contributing to foster carer preparation and training, and helping to ensure more children across northeast London have access to safe, stable and nurturing foster homes. Key responsibilities include:

• Undertaking comprehensive, evidence-based fostering assessments from allocation through to panel and recommendation
• Planning and managing all stages of the assessment process, including visits, interviews, checks, references and evidence gathering within agreed timescales
• Assessing applicants, household members, significant adults and support networks to evaluate suitability to foster
• Working collaboratively with agencies, partners and stakeholders to gather information, promote high standards and improve outcomes for children with care experience
• Supporting the preparation and delivery of foster carer training, including identifying development needs and contributing to training materials and learning activities

Waltham Forest is one of the Mayor of London's Good Work Standard employers — a proof of the Council's commitment to creating a healthy, fair and inclusive workplace, covering fair pay and conditions, workplace well-being, skills and progression, and diversity and recruitment.

About you

The London Borough of Waltham Forest is looking for a qualified and experienced social worker with a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children with care experience. We are a highly ambitious borough, and we want people who share our drive and dedication to making a difference. The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a relevant professional social work qualification and current Social Work England registration
• Have experience of undertaking comprehensive fostering assessments, including completing high-quality Form F assessments and presenting evidence-based recommendations to Fostering Panel
• Demonstrate knowledge of child development, attachment, developmental trauma and adverse childhood experiences
• Have knowledge of fostering legislation, National Minimum Standards, Fostering Services Regulations and relevant statutory guidance
• Be able to undertake strengths-based, anti-discriminatory and culturally competent assessments, recognising and challenging personal bias and inequality
• Demonstrate the ability to build purposeful and effective relationships with prospective foster carers whilst maintaining professional boundaries
• Show commitment to continuous professional development, reflective practice and professional supervision

Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both service delivery and the employment of its staff. The Council is committed to equality of opportunity and opposes all forms of discrimination. This role is subject to satisfactory employment references, a CIFAS identity check, a declaration of interest, a satisfactory DBS check, and continued professional body registration. Safer recruitment practices apply, as this role involves work with children and/or vulnerable adults.

About Waltham Forest

We know what social work is WORTH! Make the difference to the lives of children and families in Waltham Forest!

Bursting with culture, energy, and opportunity, our borough is a fantastic place where people want to live, work and play.

Why join us at Waltham Forest?

9 out of 10 staff in our social care teams enjoy our strong learning culture, which focuses on new and emerging trends

We invest in your development to help you find your niche, specialising in areas underpinned by a clear strengths-based approach

Inspiring leadership and ambition rated Outstanding

Diverse and inclusive teams who improve lives and make a real difference – a safe and inclusive environment, with active employee-led networks and initiatives

A brand-new Town Hall HQ at Fellowship Square, with innovative and flexible workspace

What our staff say

As a borough which celebrates diversity and inclusivity, we believe that it is important for you to hear from a cross-section of staff working within Waltham Forest. Watch a selection of our staff case studies below.

A rewarding role in an Ofsted rated GOOD children’s services department

Stable leadership rated by Ofsted as OUTSTANDING

Strong Continuing Professional Development (CPD) offer including Virtual Reality (VR) training

Competitive salaries and retention bonuses

A range of health & Wellbeing initiatives and vibrant staff-led networks such as our Race Equality Network

Flexible working options

Manageable caseloads

Travel season ticket loan, cycle scheme, Local Authority pension

Find out more

Discover the benefits of a social work career, then browse London's social work jobs!

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