Principal Social Worker - Fostering in Milton, Stoke-on-Trent

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.

If you are seeking a role where your values, expertise and leadership can genuinely shape lives, this is an opportunity to be part of a committed and compassionate team that puts children and young people at the heart of everything we do.

For an informal and meaningful conversation about joining Orange Grove, please contact Raj Baker, Registered Manager, on (phone number removed). No agencies, please.

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, 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.