At a Glance
- Tasks: Support kinship carers and ensure stable homes for children in need.
- Company: Join Shropshire Council, dedicated to empowering families and children.
- Benefits: Earn £30.50 per hour with professional development and supportive team culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for ongoing training in kinship care and permanence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised Social Work qualification and 3 years of relevant experience.
Are you a dedicated and experienced Social Worker passionate about securing stable and nurturing permanence for children within their family networks? Shropshire Council is seeking an empathetic and skilled Social Worker to join our vital Kinship to Permanence Fostering Team!
At Shropshire Council, we deeply value the role of kinship carers in providing a safe and familiar environment for children who cannot live with their parents. Our Kinship to Permanence Fostering Team is at the forefront of assessing, supporting, and empowering connected persons to offer stable and permanent homes for our looked after children.
The Role
As a Social Worker in the Kinship to Permanence Fostering Team, you will manage a specialized caseload focused on assessing and supporting kinship carers. Your primary responsibilities will include:
- Undertaking comprehensive viability assessments for connected persons and wider family members who wish to care for children.
- Conducting in-depth fostering assessments (Regulation 24/Temporary Approval and full Form F assessments) for kinship carers, ensuring their suitability to meet the unique needs of children.
- Providing ongoing advice, guidance, and support to approved kinship foster carers, ensuring placement stability and promoting positive outcomes for children.
- Working proactively towards achieving permanence for children in kinship care, exploring and progressing pathways such as Special Guardianship Orders (SGOs), Child Arrangements Orders (CAOs), or long-term kinship fostering.
- Liaising closely with children's social workers, legal teams, and the Family Court, providing expert social work evidence and analysis.
- Presenting high-quality assessments and reviews to Fostering Panel for approval and recommendation.
- Understanding and applying the legal framework and policy relating to connected persons and family and friends care.
- Maintaining accurate, analytical, and up-to-date electronic records in compliance with statutory requirements and Shropshire Council policies.
About You
We are looking for a highly motivated and analytical Social Worker with:
- A recognised Social Work qualification.
- Current registration with Social Work England.
- Minimum 3 years post qualifying experience of working within children's social care, with direct experience in fostering, looked after children, permanence, or court work being highly desirable.
- A strong understanding of relevant legislation, including the Children Act 1989, Fostering Services Regulations, and guidance related to permanence and kinship care.
- Excellent assessment, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with complex family networks and prepare robust reports for Panel and Court.
- The ability to manage a diverse and demanding caseload effectively and prioritise tasks within legal timescales.
- A commitment to child-centred practice and promoting permanence within family networks.
- A full UK driving licence and access to a car for business use (or ability to travel efficiently across the county).
What We Offer
A competitive rate of £30.50 per hour. The opportunity to work in a specialised and highly impactful team that champions family-based care. A supportive and collaborative team environment with regular, high-quality supervision. Excellent opportunities for professional development and specialist training in kinship care and permanence. Access to a range of employee benefits (details available upon request).
Why Shropshire Council?
Shropshire Council is dedicated to providing outstanding services for our children and families, and we recognise the unique strengths of kinship care. We foster a supportive culture where our social workers are valued, invested in, and empowered to deliver the best possible support. Join us and be part of a team committed to securing stable and loving homes for children within their family.
Apply Now: If you are a passionate and experienced Social Worker ready for your next rewarding role in kinship permanence, we would love to hear from you!
Social Worker - Kinship to Permanence Fostering Team in Shrewsbury employer: Randstad Care
Shropshire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive rate of £30.50 per hour and the chance to work within a dedicated Kinship to Permanence Fostering Team that prioritises family-based care. Our supportive work culture fosters professional development through regular supervision and specialist training, ensuring that our social workers are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families in Telford and Shropshire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Kinship to Permanence Fostering Team in Shrewsbury
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific legislation and policies related to kinship care and permanence. Understanding the Children Act 1989 and Fostering Services Regulations will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of social work, particularly those who specialise in fostering and kinship care. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to connect with others and gain insights that could be beneficial for your application and future role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with complex family dynamics and how you've successfully managed challenging cases. Be ready to provide examples that highlight your assessment skills and ability to build rapport with families, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Shropshire Council's values and recent initiatives in kinship care. Tailoring your conversation during the interview to align with their mission can show your genuine interest in contributing to their goals and the well-being of children in care.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Kinship to Permanence Fostering Team in Shrewsbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in children's social care, particularly in fostering and permanence. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in assessment and support for kinship carers.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for securing stable homes for children. Mention your understanding of the legal framework and your commitment to child-centred practice. Personalise it to show why you want to work specifically with Shropshire Council.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:Clearly state your Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England. Include any additional training or certifications related to fostering, permanence, or kinship care that may set you apart from other candidates.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:In your application, emphasise your excellent communication skills. Provide examples of how you've built rapport with families and prepared reports for panels or court, as these are crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Randstad Care
✨Show Your Passion for Child Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine passion for securing stable and nurturing environments for children. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in kinship care, as this will resonate with the interviewers at Shropshire Council.
✨Demonstrate Your Assessment Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with conducting viability assessments and fostering assessments. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully assessed kinship carers and supported them through the process, highlighting your analytical skills.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Legislation
Brush up on key legislation such as the Children Act 1989 and Fostering Services Regulations. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show your understanding of the legal framework surrounding kinship care, which is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think about past cases where you had to manage complex family dynamics or navigate legal challenges, and be prepared to explain your thought process.
