At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Kinship Team to support children in family networks and conduct vital assessments.
- Company: Middlesbrough Council is dedicated to improving children's wellbeing through innovative social work practices.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 15% salary supplement, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a growing team focused on kinship care.
- Qualifications: Must have significant experience in statutory child-care social work and knowledge of relevant legislation.
- Other info: This role requires an enhanced DBS check and offers exciting training opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting for an experienced social worker in our newly formed Kinship Team An opportunity has risen for a qualified Social Worker to join our new Kinship Team within Children’s Services.
To help us recruit social workers who are committed to working in Middlesbrough we are currently offering a 15% supplement to social work salaries. This additional 15% will be reviewed at the end of March 2027.
The Kinship Team strives to support children remaining in their wider family network, by assessing and supporting Kinship Carers. This includes completing regulation 24 viability and connected persons assessments to allow for those children unable to remain living with their birth family to be placed immediately into their wider family or friends network.
This will also include conducting assessments for approval to the Fostering Panel or for Special Guardianship and supporting ongoing family arrangements. Middlesbrough Council recognise the positive impact placing children in Kinship Care can have on a child’s overall wellbeing and outcomes.
We are committed to developing our support package to our Kinship Carers; the Experienced Social Work role also involves contributing to Preparation Training for Kinship Carers, attendance at Support and Focus Groups, participating in our Kinship Events and making applications for therapeutic assessment and support through the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund and reviewing ongoing family arrangement.
This is an exciting role in an expanding team that combines core statutory social work tasks alongside community social work. You will often work in line with statutory regulations and National Minimum Standards and ensure the requirements of the Care Standards Act 2000 and Children Act 2002 are met, therefore having knowledge of the National Minimum Standards and Regulations for Fostering is needed. Kinship Care has a great focus within the Children’s Social Care Reform, joining the Kinship Team will also allow you to become part of the Kinship Care Strategy recently published by the Government – Championing kinship care: national kinship care strategy – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
You will have significant experience of practicing statutory child-care social work in a multi-disciplinary way in addition to having knowledge of statutory and organisational contexts, corporate parenting responsibilities and Government policy contexts and drivers.
You will have experience of practising Social Work in a statutory setting and within statutory frameworks, applying legislation frameworks and statutory guidance. You will understand child protection and safeguarding procedures and practices along with an understanding of equality and diversity. You will have demonstrable skills in planning and delivering interventions with complex and challenging families, formulating plans and interventions targeted at affecting change, coupled with the ability to analyse and evaluate complex situations and risk.
In addition to this they will also have experience in responding to issues of separation and loss for children and young people and have worked intensively with families and children who are at risk of harm.
Your knowledge base will demonstrate a sound understanding of the fostering regulations, social work legislation, assessment and social work methodologies, including an awareness of systemic approaches. You will also have knowledge of child development across the age group and inhibitors to growth and development. You will work across agencies to achieve best outcomes for children and be part of an experienced, supportive team where there are great training opportunities to support your professional development.
The above post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Social Worker - Fostering Services employer: Middlesbrough Council
Contact Detail:
Middlesbrough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Fostering Services
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the Kinship Care Strategy recently published by the Government. Understanding its key points will not only show your commitment to the role but also help you align your experience with the team's goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current social workers in Middlesbrough, especially those in children's services. They can provide insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be invaluable during your discussions with us.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest statutory regulations and National Minimum Standards for fostering. This knowledge will demonstrate your expertise and readiness to tackle the challenges of the role effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully worked with complex families. Highlighting these situations will showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to make a positive impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Fostering Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Social Worker position in the Kinship Team. Highlight your relevant experience in statutory child-care social work and knowledge of fostering regulations.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to reflect your experience with complex families, child protection, and safeguarding procedures. Emphasize your skills in planning and delivering interventions, as well as your understanding of equality and diversity.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for kinship care and your commitment to supporting children and families. Mention specific experiences that align with the role's requirements and how you can contribute to the Kinship Team.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you clearly list your qualifications, including any relevant certifications or training related to social work legislation and methodologies. This will demonstrate your preparedness for the role and your commitment to professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Middlesbrough Council
✨Show Your Passion for Kinship Care
Make sure to express your genuine interest in kinship care during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or insights you have about the positive impact it can have on children's wellbeing and outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Regulations
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the National Minimum Standards and Regulations for Fostering, as well as the Care Standards Act 2000 and Children Act 2002. This will show that you are well-versed in the statutory frameworks that govern the role.
✨Highlight Your Experience with Complex Families
Share specific examples from your past work where you successfully planned and delivered interventions for complex and challenging families. This will demonstrate your ability to analyze situations and formulate effective plans.
✨Prepare Questions About Team Dynamics
Since this role involves working within a multi-disciplinary team, prepare thoughtful questions about team dynamics and collaboration. This shows your eagerness to integrate into the team and contribute positively to the Kinship Team's goals.