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- Tasks: Lead and support a dedicated team in fostering, ensuring positive outcomes for children.
- Company: Join Orange Grove, a compassionate organisation focused on nurturing relationships in fostering.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, car allowance, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a caring team committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with experience in fostering and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 45500 £ per year.
Location: Staffordshire
Salary: £39,000 - £45,500 per annum, dependent upon experience
Benefits:
- £3,000 car allowance
- 30 days' annual leave (increasing to 35 days with length of service) plus Bank Holidays
- Company pension
- Life assurance x2
- Employee discount scheme
- Medical cash plan
About Us
Orange Grove was founded in 1996 by two social workers who understood that strong relationships held the key to successful fostering. As with all families, relationships matter; they provide a stable platform for growth, which is why we commit time, effort and resources into nurturing them. We do this for the children in our care and foster families by getting to know them, treating them individually and tailoring support to their needs. We value our staff and build strong, positive relationships with local authorities and partners so we can work effectively together. This has been at the heart of our philosophy since we were established nearly 30 years ago.
Requirements
Orange Grove Staffordshire is currently seeking a qualified and experienced social worker with considerable experience of working with children looked after and foster parents. The successful applicant should have a good understanding of relevant legislation, regulations and fostering standards. This role will promote a culture across the organisation that recognises the impact of trauma, abuse and neglect on children and young people. The successful candidate will demonstrate a thorough understanding of trauma-informed approaches and their application within fostering services. Supervisory or management experience within a social work setting is desirable to support and promote the effective functioning of the service. You will need strong leadership skills, a desire to make a difference and the ability to work autonomously, whilst working effectively as part of a team. Safeguarding knowledge is essential and you will be expected to demonstrate this throughout the role. You will need excellent communication skills and the ability to build, maintain and develop positive working relationships with children, young people, foster parents and professionals, both internal and external to the organisation. There is also a requirement to work occasional evenings and weekends where required.
Hold a Social Care England recognised qualification in Social Work or equivalent.
Experience of working with children and young people, including children looked after.
A comprehensive working knowledge of relevant legislation supporting fostering and children looked after.
A full driving licence with unrestricted access to your own car.
Role Responsibilities
- Support and deputise for the Registered Manager as required.
- Supervise team members as determined by the Registered Manager.
- Support, supervise and promote foster parents to reach their full potential.
- Monitor, promote and ensure compliance with foster parents and staff.
- Work in partnership with children, young people, foster parents, applicants and professionals to ensure safeguarding and positive outcomes for children.
You will be working in a committed and compassionate team that puts children and young people at the heart of everything we do. The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check; the cost of which will be met by Orange Grove. Orange Grove is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
Principal Social Worker - Fostering employer: Orange Grove Foster Care
Contact Detail:
Orange Grove Foster Care Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Social Worker - Fostering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience with fostering. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on trauma-informed approaches and relevant legislation. We want you to shine when discussing how you can support foster parents and children effectively!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've led a team or supported colleagues. This will demonstrate your ability to supervise and promote foster parents to reach their full potential.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our compassionate team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Social Worker - Fostering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with fostering and working with children looked after. We want to see how your skills align with our values and the specific requirements of the role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves supervisory responsibilities, don’t forget to mention any leadership or management experience you have. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and support others, so share examples that demonstrate your ability to lead effectively.
Highlight Your Communication Skills: Effective communication is key in this role. Be sure to provide examples of how you've built positive relationships with children, foster parents, and professionals. We want to know how you connect with others and ensure everyone feels heard.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orange Grove Foster Care
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on relevant legislation and fostering standards before the interview. Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed approaches, as this will show your understanding of the role and its impact on children and young people.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with looked-after children and foster parents. Prepare specific examples that highlight your leadership skills and how you've supported teams or foster families in the past.
✨Build Rapport
Since relationships are key in fostering, practice building rapport during the interview. Be personable and approachable, showing that you can connect with children, young people, and professionals alike.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's approach to fostering and how they support their staff. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if their values align with yours.