At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support foster care teams to ensure positive outcomes for children.
- Company: Join Orange Grove, a compassionate team dedicated to fostering strong relationships.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, car allowance, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a nurturing and dynamic environment.
- 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.
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.
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.
Principal Social Worker - Fostering in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Orange Grove Fostercare
Contact Detail:
Orange Grove Fostercare Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Social Worker - Fostering in Stoke-on-Trent
✨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 or even a referral.
✨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 make a difference in children's lives during your interview!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've led a team or supported foster parents. This will help us see how you can contribute to our compassionate team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you're genuinely interested in being part of our mission at Orange Grove.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Social Worker - Fostering in Stoke-on-Trent
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 experience you have. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and support others, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Trauma-Informed Approaches: We value a thorough understanding of trauma-informed care. Be sure to include any relevant experiences or training that showcase your knowledge in this area, as it’s crucial for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orange Grove Fostercare
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on relevant legislation and fostering standards before the interview. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just qualified, but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves supervisory responsibilities, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led a team or supported foster parents in the past. Highlighting your leadership experience will demonstrate your capability to manage and inspire others.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
Orange Grove values strong relationships, so think of specific instances where you've built positive connections with children, young people, or colleagues. This will illustrate your ability to foster a supportive environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling trauma and safeguarding issues. Prepare some scenarios from your experience where you’ve effectively managed such situations, showcasing your trauma-informed approach and problem-solving skills.