Social Worker - Kinship Zone

Social Worker - Kinship Zone

Full-Time 44075 € / year No home office possible
North East Lincolnshire Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support kinship carers and families through assessments and creative support plans.
  • Company: Join a pioneering team in North East Lincolnshire's Kinship Zone pilot.
  • Benefits: Generous leave, local government pension, flexible working, and exclusive discounts.
  • Other info: Be part of an innovative project with excellent training and career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in families' lives while gaining valuable experience.
  • Qualifications: Experience in social work and a passion for supporting families.

We are excited to be advertising for a full time social worker on a fixed term (3.5 years) basis to support assessments of kinship carers. This role will look to complement and strengthen our Kinship local offer in the fostering service in North East Lincolnshire.

You will be based within the kinship team and undertake assessments of kinship carers which will include assessments for court i.e Special Guardianship and Child Arrangements orders. You will also be required to support families with the development of their Family Network Support Plans, through Family Group Decision Making meetings (FGDM's) and think creatively about bespoke packages for the family.

North East Lincolnshire is one of a small number of areas selected by the Department for Education to take part in a national Kinship Zone pilot for 3.5 years. This pilot forms part of the wider Kinship Care Strategy and aims to strengthen support for families, including kinship and improve stability for children by testing new approaches to financial and practical support.

The Kinship Zone is a pilot to test out a new way of working that provides earlier, more consistent and more coordinated support for families and kinship carers. It focuses on ensuring that families have access to the right help at the right time, including:

  • Clear advice and guidance about rights, allowances and available support.
  • Better coordination between Early Help, Social Care, and partner agencies.
  • Access to funding to strengthen Family Network Support Packages where this is needed to maintain a safe and stable home.
  • A new financial allowance pilot for eligible kinship carers.

This is your chance to be part of something innovative, energising and genuinely impactful.

For more information please contact: Claire Brodie, Kinship Zone Lead.

We aim to interview successful candidates w/c 08th June 2026. We want you to have the best interview experience with us, so we will provide candidates selected for interview their questions 24 hours in advance of meeting us. We reserve the right to close our adverts early if we have received a significant volume of suitable applications.

As part of your RewardNEL package, you will have a generous leave entitlement (including bank holidays) and enrolment into a local government pension. You will also have access to our exclusive RewardNEL platform. This includes a variety of salary sacrifice schemes including Cycle2Work, Holiday Extra and Tusker (Car Lease), discounts at local coffee shops and bars, direct access to our in-house wellbeing support, free and discounted local car parking as well as instant access to new savings at major retailers, entertainment and hotels.

NELC staff can also benefit from flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities and a Fostering friendly scheme.

If you need any help applying for this position, please contact Wendy Trask on (text or call). Wendy can support with digital access as well as offering advice and guidance about completing the different sections of the application form.

Your earnings go further in North East Lincolnshire, house prices are four times less than in London. Learn more about what our place has to offer at Life in North East Lincolnshire NELC (nelincs.gov.uk).

Get to know us better. Check out our Council Plan and read about all of the exciting new developments we have in the pipeline. We regularly review data to ensure our recruitment processes are fair, transparent and promote equal opportunities for all. We also have an in-house Equalities Champions Group that works to promote and embed inclusivity in the workplace, helping us identify areas where we can take positive action, and make the organisation a safe space for colleagues to feel connected.

Social Worker - Kinship Zone employer: North East Lincolnshire Council

Join us as a Social Worker in the Kinship Zone, where you will be part of an innovative pilot programme aimed at enhancing support for families and kinship carers in North East Lincolnshire. Our organisation offers a supportive work culture with generous leave entitlements, flexible working options, and access to exclusive benefits through our RewardNEL platform, including wellbeing support and training opportunities. With a focus on employee growth and a commitment to inclusivity, we provide a meaningful and rewarding environment for those looking to make a real impact in the community.

North East Lincolnshire Council

Contact Detail:

North East Lincolnshire Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🀫

We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Kinship Zone

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the Kinship Zone inside out! Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice makes perfect! Prepare for your interview by rehearsing answers to common questions related to social work and kinship care. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.

✨Tip Number 3

Show your passion for supporting families! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've positively impacted families in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to the Kinship Zone's objectives.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the Kinship Zone pilot. This shows your genuine interest and helps you determine if it’s the right fit for you. And remember, apply through our website for a smoother process!

We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Kinship Zone

Assessment Skills
Family Group Decision Making (FGDM)
Creative Problem-Solving
Knowledge of Special Guardianship and Child Arrangements orders
Coordination Skills
Communication Skills
Understanding of Kinship Care Strategy

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Kinship Zone role. We want to see how you can contribute to our innovative approach in supporting kinship carers and families.

Showcase Your Creativity:Since this role involves thinking creatively about bespoke packages for families, don’t hesitate to share examples of how you've approached similar challenges in the past. We love seeing innovative solutions!

Be Clear and Concise:When filling out your application, keep your language clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets right to the heart of your qualifications and motivations for joining us.

Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. This helps us streamline the process and ensures your application is seen by the right people!

How to prepare for a job interview at North East Lincolnshire Council

✨Know Your Kinship Care Basics

Before the interview, brush up on the key concepts of kinship care and the specific needs of kinship carers. Understanding the legal aspects, like Special Guardianship and Child Arrangements orders, will show that you're serious about the role and ready to support families effectively.

✨Prepare for Family Group Decision Making

Familiarise yourself with the Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) process. Think about how you would facilitate these meetings and what creative solutions you could propose for bespoke family support packages. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and commitment to innovative practices.

✨Showcase Your Collaborative Skills

Since this role involves working closely with various agencies, be ready to discuss your experience in collaboration. Prepare examples of how you've successfully coordinated with other professionals in the past, as this will highlight your ability to work within a team and enhance support for families.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Use the opportunity to ask questions during your interview. Inquire about the specific challenges the Kinship Zone is facing or how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand how you can contribute to their goals.