At a Glance
- Tasks: Support foster carers and ensure high-quality care placements for children and young people.
- Company: Shropshire Council, dedicated to fostering and child welfare.
- Benefits: Up to £28.55/hour, flexible hybrid working, and meaningful impact.
- Other info: Short-term contract with immediate impact and supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working flexibly.
- Qualifications: Recognised Social Work qualification and experience in fostering or children's social care.
The predicted salary is between 28 - 29 € per hour.
Shropshire Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join their Fostering Service on a 3-month maternity cover, supporting foster carers and ensuring high-quality care placements for children and young people. This is a varied and relationship-focused role, working across the full fostering journey - from assessing prospective carers to supporting approved carers in delivering safe, stable and nurturing placements. You'll play a vital role in ensuring fostering households meet regulatory standards, while promoting a trauma-informed, child-centred approach to care.
Hybrid: Home-based with office attendance (approx. 2-3 times per month)
Key Responsibilities
- Complete initial home visits, supporting applicants through the fostering journey
- Undertake robust, analytical fostering assessments in line with legislation and best practice
- Identify development needs and contribute to Personal Development Plans (PDPs)
- Present clear recommendations to Fostering Panel and Agency Decision Maker
- Support Fostering Hub and preparation groups for prospective carers
- Provide regular supervision, guidance and emotional support
- Support carers to deliver safe, stable and therapeutic care
- Empower carers to meet children's needs and promote placement stability
- Help carers overcome barriers to training and development
- Conduct regular visits to fostering households
- Monitor the quality of care, home environment and child's progress
- Ensure compliance with Fostering Regulations, National Minimum Standards and safeguarding requirements
- Work collaboratively with adoption teams, IFAs, education, CAMHS and other partners
- Support placement stability through timely interventions and coordinated support
- Contribute to managing capacity and transitions across services
- Contribute to service improvement initiatives
- Support engagement activities and wider fostering promotion
- Ensure practice consistently meets regulatory and quality standards
Why Join Shropshire?
- Flexible hybrid working (predominantly home-based)
- Opportunity to work in a supportive, specialist fostering service
- Meaningful role supporting carers and children directly
- Short-term contract with immediate impact
- Strong emphasis on trauma-informed and child-centred practice
Experience/Skills
- Hold a recognised Social Work qualification
- Are registered with Social Work England
- Have experience within fostering or children's social care
- Can confidently complete assessments and provide carer supervision
- Have strong communication, analytical and relationship-building skills
- Are committed to trauma-informed, child-centred practice
- Hold a full UK driving licence and can travel across Shropshire
If you're an experienced Social Worker looking for a flexible fostering role where you can make a real difference in a short-term contract, we'd love to hear from you.
Social Work Fostering Social Worker Shropshire Up to £28.55 / hour employer: Oaksec
Shropshire Council is an excellent employer for Social Workers, offering a flexible hybrid working model that allows for a balance between home and office-based tasks. With a strong emphasis on trauma-informed and child-centred practice, employees are supported in their professional growth through meaningful work that directly impacts the lives of children and foster carers. The collaborative and supportive environment fosters a culture of continuous improvement and development, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Fostering Social Worker Shropshire Up to £28.55 / hour
✨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 understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission, especially in fostering and child-centred practices. Show them you're not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable answering common questions and discussing your experiences in fostering. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. Let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Work Fostering Social Worker Shropshire Up to £28.55 / hour
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in fostering and children's social care. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the role!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting children and foster carers shine through in your application. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference, so share your motivation and commitment to trauma-informed practice!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity with Shropshire Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oaksec
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the fostering process and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. Brush up on relevant legislation and best practices, as this will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in fostering or children's social care. Have specific examples ready that highlight your skills in assessments, supervision, and relationship-building. This will help demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Emphasise Trauma-Informed Practice
Since the role focuses on trauma-informed, child-centred practice, be ready to talk about how you’ve applied these principles in your work. Share examples of how you’ve supported children and families through challenging situations.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the fostering service and its approach. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and working style.
