At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and assess prospective foster carers, ensuring high-quality standards in reports.
- Company: Join the UK's largest independent children's fostering group, rated a Great Place to Work!
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 40 days annual leave, a competitive salary, and a £3,000 car allowance.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying a flexible 4-day work week.
- Qualifications: Degree in Social Work and experience with foster carers and families required.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: Regionally based across the North West
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Salary: £43,000 - £45,000 dependent on experience (+ £3,000 car allowance)
Core Benefits
- Up to 40 days annual leave (including 26 days holiday, Bank Holidays, One Moment in Time day and opportunity to buy 5 extra days)
- Minimum 9% Contributory Pension
- Life Assurance
- ‘The Hub’ discount marketplace
- EAP
- Occupational Health
- Enhanced Sick pay
- Enhanced Family Friendly leave
- Expenses and Mileage
- Tech Scheme
About National Fostering Group
With over 20 years experience, National Fostering Group is the largest independent children's fostering group in the UK with a community of over 2,500 foster carers. As a Group, we work with Local Authorities to provide the highest quality of care for children and young people. All of our fostering agencies are officially recognised by Ofsted, Welsh and Scottish regulators as either ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’.
We also offer a 4 day working week – this means 80% of the hours for 100% pay! This will be given following a successful 6 month probationary period and is a performance based benefit.
About the Role
We are looking for Assessing Social Workers to join our team. In this role you will be the first point of contact for prospective foster carers, guiding and supporting them through the whole assessment process with the highest level of customer service. You will be responsible for conducting well evidenced assessments which elicit comprehensive reports within established timelines, ensuring accuracy and high-quality standards. Effective communication with colleagues and building relationships with the fostering agencies in your region will be crucial to this role.
You will participate in recruitment and retention meetings, contribute to best practice development and help facilitate workshops to share knowledge and enhance practice standards. This role will involve a lot of travel to applicants’ homes and fostering agencies to gather information, facts and evidence to prepare comprehensive assessment reports. You will also prepare prospective foster carers for panel presentations, reassuring them and managing their concerns throughout the process.
About You
The Assessing Social Worker will be a dedicated and experienced Social Worker with a degree in Social Work and relevant registration. The ideal candidate will have proven experience working with foster carers, children and families, and expertise in family placement, child care and permanency. You will be experienced and proficient in completing fostering assessments, informed risk evaluations and presenting fostering assessments to panels.
You will need strong interpersonal skills, the ability to handle sensitive situations with empathy and excellent report‑writing capabilities. The candidate must be knowledgeable about child development, attachment theory and fostering regulations. A commitment to equal opportunities, personal learning and development, along with the ability to travel flexibly across the region is required.
Equal Opportunities Statement
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all employees to share this commitment and undertake appropriate checks. We are an Equal Opportunities employer.
Assessing Social Worker employer: National Fostering Group
At National Fostering Group, we pride ourselves on being a Great Place to Work, with 83% of our employees affirming their satisfaction. Our supportive work culture is complemented by generous benefits, including up to 40 days of annual leave, a 4-day working week after probation, and a strong commitment to employee growth and development. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families across the North West while enjoying a fulfilling career in a dynamic and rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assessing Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions specific to assessing social work. Think about your experiences with foster carers and how you can showcase your skills in empathy and report writing. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on organisations that align with your values. Check out our website for opportunities at National Fostering Group, where you can make a real difference in children’s lives while enjoying great benefits.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can set you apart from other candidates. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Assessing Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Assessing Social Worker role. Highlight your relevant experience with foster carers and your expertise in family placement, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your strong interpersonal skills and report-writing capabilities shine through. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate how you've handled sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Make sure to proofread for any typos or errors before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our fantastic team at National Fostering Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Fostering Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of child development, attachment theory, and fostering regulations. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just qualified but genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work with foster carers, children, and families. Highlight your experience in conducting assessments and presenting findings. This will help demonstrate your expertise and how you can contribute to the team.
✨Practice Empathy
As an Assessing Social Worker, you'll need to handle sensitive situations with care. Think of scenarios where you've had to reassure or support someone in distress. Practising how you communicate empathy can make a big difference in your interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the organisation. Inquire about their approach to best practice development or how they support their social workers. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
