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- Tasks: Support and supervise foster carers while improving outcomes for children in care.
- Company: Join Olive Branch Fostering, a caring agency dedicated to nurturing children across England.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, birthday leave, and a cycle to work scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a Social Work Degree and current SWE registration; driving licence required.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth with training and development support.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Location: Rawtenstall, Lancashire
Working Pattern: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week
Olive Branch Fostering has an exciting opportunity for a Supervising Social Worker to join the team in the Rawtenstall area.
Who are we?
BSN Social Care is the parent company of Olive Branch Fostering. An independent fostering agency, Olive Branch Fostering provides foster placements to children and young people across England. Our objective is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the children placed in our care and one in which they can develop and reach their full potential.
The Role
We are looking for an enthusiastic, independent and skilled social worker to work with both specialist and mainstream placements. To manage a caseload of up to 15 carers (FTE), and work within a dedicated team to improve the outcomes and lives of children looked after.
Main Duties
- Deliver supervision, support and development opportunities to a target number of Foster Carers across the region within the agency's established framework and required standard.
- Undertake the necessary placement management, planning and intervention to achieve and maintain an 80% occupancy rate across the Foster Carer Team.
- Ensure that children’s care and development needs are met; as identified within the Care plan.
- Undertake direct work as necessary, coordinating the activities of Social Work Assistants/Sessional Workers and others, to further the outcomes for children and young people in placement.
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with local Commissioning and Social Work Teams which further the agency's partnership arrangements.
- Provide to each Local Authority, regular monitoring information; including child progress reports or reports for LAC reviews.
- Assist in the delivery of training and support groups.
- Provide or co-ordinate mandatory training to foster carers.
- Identify and provide any further training to foster carers.
What we’re looking for
- Dip SW/CQSW/Social Work Degree and current SWE registration.
- Hold a full UK Driving Licence and have access to a vehicle for work purposes.
- Willing to undertake an enhanced DBS.
- Experience of working to targets and performance indicators.
- Experience in children’s services and foster care delivery.
- Willing to participate in an out of hours telephone support system and undertake occasional out of hours/weekend work by attending events, meetings and training.
- Share a commitment to Equal Opportunities in all work practices and to improving the lives of Looked After Children.
Why work for us?
- Generous Annual Leave – 28 days PLUS your Bank Holiday Entitlement.
- Annual Leave increase after 3 full years of service by 1 day - up until a max of 12 years.
- Birthday Leave – a paid day off for your birthday.
- Good Health Days – no sickness in a 6 month period and get an additional day off!
- Refer A Friend Scheme with a monetary incentive.
- Comprehensive Employee Assistance Platform that provides access to advice and support 24/7.
- Auto Enrolment Pension.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Optional Enhanced Maternity/Paternity/Adoption Leave/Shared Parental Leave.
Supervising Social Worker employer: Olive Branch Fostering
Contact Detail:
Olive Branch Fostering Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supervising Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of foster care and the challenges faced by foster carers. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding during interviews and show how you can contribute positively to the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the social work field, especially those involved in fostering. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the agency's approach, which can give you an edge in discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with performance indicators and targets. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed caseloads or improved outcomes for children in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your commitment to equal opportunities and improving the lives of looked-after children. Think of ways you can illustrate this passion through your past experiences or initiatives you've been involved in.
We think you need these skills to ace Supervising Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in social work, particularly in fostering and children's services. Emphasise any specific achievements or targets you've met in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working with children and young people. Mention your understanding of the role and how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, such as your Dip SW/CQSW/Social Work Degree and current SWE registration. Include any additional training or certifications that are relevant to the role.
Showcase Your Commitment to Equal Opportunities: In your application, express your commitment to equal opportunities and improving the lives of looked after children. Provide examples of how you have demonstrated this in your previous work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Olive Branch Fostering
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Supervising Social Worker. Understand the importance of supporting foster carers and how to manage a caseload effectively. Be ready to discuss your experience in children's services and how it aligns with the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Show your enthusiasm for working with children and young people. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to improving the lives of looked-after children. This will help convey your genuine interest in the position.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about specific situations you might face in the role. Prepare examples from your past work where you successfully managed challenges, supported foster carers, or improved outcomes for children. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about the agency's approach to fostering, team dynamics, and training opportunities. This shows your interest in the organisation and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
