At a Glance
- Tasks: Supervise and support foster carers to transform the lives of vulnerable children.
- Company: Join the largest independent fostering group in the UK, rated as a Great Place to Work 2025.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 40 days annual leave, life assurance, and flexible benefits tailored for you.
- Other info: Collaborate with clinical teams and enjoy a 4-day working week after probation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: BA or MA in social work, registered, with experience in supporting young people with trauma.
Location: Regionally based across West Berkshire and Oxford
Contract Type: Fixed term: 12 months Maternity Cover
Hours: 37.5
Salary: £36,000 - £46,000 dependent on experience + £3,000 Car Allowance
About the Group: National Fostering Group is an independent fostering agency part of the National Fostering Group. We focus on creating high quality foster homes for children and young people. Fostering Solutions South empowers foster carers to meet the specific needs of those in their care. We have been rated as a Great Place to Work 2025 and are the largest independent children's fostering group in the UK with over 20 years of experience and a community of more than 2,500 foster carers. 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 following a successful 6‑month probationary period and is a performance‑based benefit.
The role: You will be a member of our brilliant team of social workers, helping vulnerable children and young people find a foster home that can transform their future. You will supervise and advise foster carers, ensuring that both carers and children have the support they need to thrive. You will visit homes, stay in touch with carers and young people, and act as a safeguarding champion. We keep caseloads lower to reduce risk and offer more bespoke, person‑centric focus. You will collaborate with specialist clinical teams to provide the right support, from occupational therapy to art therapy and trauma specialists.
Who we are looking for: You will be passionate about building incredible lives for children and helping foster carers be the best they can be. You will hold either a BA or MA degree in social work, be registered with the appropriate body, and have a full driving licence. You will have previous social work experience with a record of working with young people who have a history of trauma and enhanced needs. You will be confident, imaginative, energetic, open‑minded, and ready to take on real responsibility and benefit from all the support we offer. You will also bring your own skills and experience to help our whole team excel.
Benefits:
- Up to 40 days annual leave each year (26 base entitlement + 1 One moment in time + 8 bank holidays + ability to buy up to 5 extra days)
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
- “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first‑class mental health support services and physical health checks
- A flexible benefits platform, Vista, enabling you to choose the package that’s right for you, including a wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
- 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
- Cycle to Work Schemes
- Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all employees to share this commitment and undertake appropriate checks. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Supervising Social Worker (Maternity Cover) employer: National Fostering Group
At National Fostering Group, we pride ourselves on being a leading independent fostering agency that not only values the well-being of children and young people but also invests in our employees' growth and satisfaction. With a supportive work culture, competitive benefits including a 4-day working week, generous annual leave, and access to comprehensive mental health resources, we empower our social workers to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance. Join us in transforming lives and be part of a community that has been recognised as a Great Place to Work 2025.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supervising Social Worker (Maternity Cover)
✨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 researching the organisation and its values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of supporting vulnerable children and foster carers. Show them you're not just a fit on paper but also in spirit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable talking about your experiences and how they relate to the role of a Supervising Social Worker. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it counts!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Supervising Social Worker (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Supervising Social Worker role. Highlight your relevant experience with young people and any specific skills that align with our mission at National Fostering Group.
Show Your Passion:We want to see your enthusiasm for fostering and helping children thrive. Share personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily understand your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Fostering Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the National Fostering Group and its mission. Understand the role of a Supervising Social Worker and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their focus on supporting foster carers and vulnerable children.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about making a difference in children's lives. Be prepared to share specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your passion for social work and your commitment to helping young people who have faced trauma.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about their approach to fostering, how they support their social workers, or what a typical day looks like. It shows you’re genuinely interested and engaged.
✨Be Yourself
The team at the National Fostering Group values authenticity. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. They’re looking for someone who is confident, imaginative, and open-minded, so just be yourself and let that energy come across!
