Social Worker (Fostering) in Plymouth

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK. The department are looking to appoint as Grade H. An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Fostering Service. We are looking for an Assessing Social Worker to come and join our friendly and supportive Fostering team, where you will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced and skilled social workers, who have a passion for ensuring that children get the best outcomes in their foster homes. You will find that we have a stable, knowledgeable and restorative management team, who ensure that the service remains focused, motivated and committed to growing and developing. You will receive regular formal and informal case supervision and peer support, and access to training opportunities.

We are seeking a dedicated and highly motivated Form F Assessing Social Worker to join our dynamic Fostering Service Assessment Team. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 2-3 years’ experience in fostering or children services and a passion for making a positive impact in the lives of children and families. You will be responsible for the robust and effective assessment of prospective foster carers, ensuring that all assessments are completed to a high standard and imparting knowledge and skills to ensure that prospective carers are well‑equipped to provide safe and nurturing homes for children in our care.

• Conduct Assessments: Perform detailed home studies and interviews with prospective foster parents, their referees, and other significant individuals to gather comprehensive information.
• Write Form F Reports: Prepare high‑quality, analytical, and evidence‑based reports that critically evaluate the applicants’ strengths and weaknesses, their parenting capacity, and their suitability for fostering.
• Present to Panel: Present the completed Form F assessment to the Fostering Panel and answer any questions from panel members.
• Ensure Compliance: Apply professional knowledge of relevant childcare legislation (e.g., Children Act 1989), fostering regulations, and the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services to practice.
• Evaluate Household Conditions: Conduct a Health & Safety report of the household and verify all necessary paperwork, such as electrical and gas certificates and insurance documents.
• Training and Development: Organise and facilitate training sessions for foster carers to enhance their skills and knowledge in fostering practices.
• Child‑Centric Approach: Promote and ensure the best interests of the children in care, advocating for their needs and rights in collaboration with other professionals and agencies.
• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with local authorities, social services, and other stakeholders to develop effective partnerships that support foster carers and children.
• Support and Guidance: Provide emotional and practical support to foster families, addressing any concerns or challenges that may arise during placements.
• Administrative Duties: Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date documentation in line with relevant policies, procedures, and statutory requirements.

• Interviews: Conduct interviews with applicants, referees, and other key individuals.
• Report Submission: Manage workload effectively to ensure reports are submitted accurately and on time.
• Applicant Communication: Discuss the assessment findings and the Panel process with applicants and ensure they are aware of their role in the Panel meeting.
• Professional Conduct: Maintain accurate and secure records, work proactively to build positive professional relationships, and demonstrate commitment to equality of opportunity.
• Professional Development: Undertake further training and development to enhance practice and maintain registration with a relevant professional body (e.g., HCPC, SWE).
• Support with duty tasks across the Fostering Service.
• Take an active role in creative ideas and events to support with recruitment of prospective foster carers.
• Actively engage in reflective supervision with Team Manager to ensure that prospective carers are able to meet the Fostering National Minimum Standards.
• Close liaison with Fostering Panel Advisor to ensure applicants are prepared for Fostering Panel.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse individuals.
• Strong assessment and analytical skills to evaluate foster care placements effectively.
• Robust understanding of Care Planning, Placement and case Review Regulations 2010 (amended); Fostering Services Regulations 2011 and Fostering National Minimum Standards.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proven problem‑solving skills, with a proactive and positive approach to challenges.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.

We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role. The Disclosure & Barring Service Check requirement for this post is: Enhanced - DBS Children’s & Adult's Barred List.

Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage age/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.