Principal Social Worker - Fostering in Runcorn

Principal Social Worker - Fostering in Runcorn

Runcorn Full-Time 39000 - 46000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Orange Grove Fostercare

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and support a passionate team to ensure the best outcomes for children in foster care.
  • Company: Orange Grove, a dedicated fostering agency with a strong focus on relationships.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, generous leave, pension, and employee discounts.
  • Other info: Join a motivated team committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Qualified social worker with experience in fostering and strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 39000 - 46000 £ per year.

Location: Warrington

Salary: £39,000 - £46,000 Per Annum, Dependent Upon Experience

Benefits: £3,000 Car Allowance, 30 days' Annual Leave (increasing to 35 days with length of service) + 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 constantly. 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 take care to build strong and positive relationships with local authorities and our other partners, so we can all work effectively together. This has been at the heart of our philosophy since we were established some 30 years ago.

Requirements

  • Orange Grove North West 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 the relevant Legislation, Regulations and Fostering Standards.
  • Supervisory or management experience, within a social work setting, is desirable, to support and promote the effective functioning of the Registration.
  • 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 paramount and you will need to be able 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 differing professionals to include colleagues internal and external to the Agency.
  • There is also a requirement that you are able to work occasional evenings and weekends, where required, to meet the needs of the Agency.
  • Hold a Social Care England recognised qualification in Social Work or equivalent.
  • Experience of working with children and young people, to include Children Looked After.
  • A comprehensive working knowledge of all relevant legislation that supports Fostering and Children Looked After.
  • A full driving licence with unrestricted access to your own car.

Responsibilities

  • To support and deputise for the Registered Manager, as needed.
  • To 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.
  • To work in partnership with children, young people, foster parents, applicants and other professionals, internal and external to the Agency, to ensure safeguarding and positive outcomes for children are paramount.

If you are looking for an opportunity to be part of a highly motivated and experienced Team, who are passionate about the best outcomes for children and young people, please get in touch.

For an informal discussion please contact Heather Sheridan - Registered Manager on 07900 680494.

No Agency applications please as this is a permanent post.

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 positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

Orange Grove 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 in Runcorn employer: Orange Grove Fostercare

At Orange Grove, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises strong relationships and personal growth. Located in Warrington, our team enjoys generous benefits including a competitive salary, a £3,000 car allowance, and up to 35 days of annual leave, fostering a healthy work-life balance. We are dedicated to the professional development of our staff, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.

Orange Grove Fostercare

Contact Details:

Orange Grove Fostercare Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Social Worker - Fostering in Runcorn

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 your knowledge of relevant legislation and fostering standards. We want you to shine when discussing your experience and how it aligns with the role at Orange Grove!

Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or supported foster parents. This will demonstrate your ability to make a real difference in the lives of children and families.

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 passionate team at Orange Grove.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Social Worker - Fostering in Runcorn

Qualified Social Worker
Experience with Children Looked After
Understanding of Legislation and Regulations
Fostering Standards Knowledge
Supervisory Skills
Management Experience
Leadership Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for fostering and social work shine through. We want to see why you care about making a difference in the lives of children and families.

Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience with Children Looked After and foster parents. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of the legislation and standards in fostering.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and how they align with the role.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Orange Grove.

How to prepare for a job interview at Orange Grove Fostercare

Know Your Legislation

Make sure you brush up on the relevant legislation, regulations, and fostering standards before your interview. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just qualified but also genuinely knowledgeable about the field.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Principal Social Worker, strong leadership is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or supported foster parents in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to manage and inspire others effectively.

Build Rapport with Interviewers

Remember, relationships matter! Approach the interview as a conversation rather than an interrogation. Engage with your interviewers, ask them questions about their experiences at Orange Grove, and show genuine interest in their work culture.

Highlight Your Safeguarding Knowledge

Safeguarding is paramount in this role. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve ensured the safety and well-being of children and young people. This will illustrate your commitment to safeguarding and your practical experience in the field.