At a Glance
- Tasks: Support foster carers and children, ensuring positive outcomes through assessments and relationship building.
- Company: Join Salford's Fostering Service, rated 'good' by Ofsted, with outstanding elements.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free parking, and access to co-wheels club for work purposes.
- Other info: Blended working practices and a nurturing team await you!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing as a professional in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work assessments and a passion for supporting children and families.
The predicted salary is between 39152 - 46142 £ per year.
Now is a very exciting time to join the Fostering Service in Salford. We want children growing up in Salford to see and say that their city, community, and services are great, and this was recognised in our latest Ofsted report which rates our overall services as 'good', with outstanding elements.
We are seeking to appoint a Supervising Social Worker within the Fostering Team. The roles will require excellent assessment and analytical skills whilst representing the authority in undertaking timely assessments of applicant foster carers, supervision and ensuring carers are able to meet the National Minimum Standards. We are looking for Social Workers with experience of undertaking assessments within set timescales. Social workers with positive approaches, solution focused and able to display and promote positive practice whilst demonstrating enthusiasm and passion for protecting children and young people across the city.
We offer a highly supportive and nurturing environment which enables individuals to grow as autonomous practitioners. We have adapted our working practice, by way of blended working and use of technology.
Main Duties include:
- You will work directly with applicant foster carers and foster carers using a range of knowledge, skills and interventions as required, in accordance with statutory responsibilities to secure positive outcomes for children.
- You will have a good understanding of Fostering National Minimum Standards and how potential Foster Carers can be supported to meet these standards.
- You will build effective relationships with applicant carers, their families enabling full participation in assessment, planning, review and decision making.
- You will effectively manage and build relationships and networks with other professionals, services and panels with appropriate supervision, guidance and support from an experienced supportive management team.
- You will work in accordance with national and local policies and procedures, and use the law, regulatory and statutory guidance to inform practice decisions.
- You will prepare and produce a variety of high quality professional written documentation to required quality standards on behalf of the City Council.
- You will work with partner agencies and represent the Council at a range of meetings, proceedings and reviews as required.
- You will secure access to services, negotiating and challenging other professionals and organisations to provide the help required.
- You will provide support based on best evidence, which is tailored to meet individual assessment needs and addresses relevant and significant risks.
- You will be involved in recruitment and retention activities that take place throughout the year.
- You will act as liaison for Mockingbird Hub carer.
This role is crucial in supporting our journey to the implementation of the Family Partnership Model of practice, and Therapeutic Care Giving to continue to improve the outcomes for children and families in Salford. You will need to be passionate about working with children and young people, families and carers, have a practice base with strengths in relational and systemic practice and a passion for promoting the invaluable role of the foster carer.
In addition, free parking is available for registered cars, access to co-wheels club - cars and casual car user mileage payments are available for you to use for work purposes.
For further information please contact kimberley.fletcher@salford.gov.uk or Jay.Taylor-lowe@salford.gov.uk. Closing date is 14th August 2026.
Please be aware that this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. If you have lived or worked abroad for 3 months or more in the last 5 years or 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years whilst aged 18 or over, please refer to the link below for details for how to obtain your Certificates of Good Character.
Certificates of Good Character
Please note that Salford City Council is currently unable to provide visa sponsorship for any role, as no Certificates of Sponsorship are available. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship.
Privacy Statement and Data Protection: Our core data protection obligations and commitments are set out in the council's primary Recruitment and Employment Privacy Notice which can be found at Recruitment and Employment Privacy Notice.
Fostering Social Worker in Salford employer: Salford Council
Salford Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a positive impact in the community by supporting vulnerable individuals through their challenging times. With a flexible hybrid working model, employees enjoy a balanced work-life environment while benefiting from professional development opportunities and a collaborative culture that values compassion and teamwork. Joining the Salford Assist Team means being part of a mission-driven organisation that prioritises employee well-being and community service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fostering Social Worker in Salford
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Salford Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Salford Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Salford Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Salford Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Fostering Social Worker in Salford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Salford Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Salford Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Salford Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
