Principal Social Worker - Fostering in Widnes

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.