At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through fostering and kinship care, ensuring safe and nurturing placements.
- Company: Join Southend on Sea Council, a supportive team dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Hybrid working available, with a vibrant team culture and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of children and families while growing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with at least 2 years of fostering experience and strong assessment skills.
The predicted salary is between 39152 - 45091 € per year.
We are seeking an experienced Social Worker to join the Fostering team at Southend On Sea Council, delivering high-quality casework to children, young people, foster carers, and kinship carers. You will manage a caseload appropriate to your experience and provide robust assessments, support, and supervision to ensure safe, stable, and nurturing placements. This role requires strong knowledge of fostering and kinship assessment processes and the ability to work to high professional and statutory standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide a professional and cost-effective social work service within fostering and kinship care
- Assess, support, and supervise foster carers and kinship carers
- Undertake viability, kinship, and connected persons assessments
- Identify safeguarding concerns and take appropriate protective action
- Complete clear, evidence-based assessments, reports, and action plans
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date case recordings and documentation
- Prepare and submit reports and care plans for panels and court proceedings
- Attend and present at fostering panels, reviews, and meetings
- Act as duty worker when required
- Work closely with partner agencies, carers, and families
- Use ICT systems to maintain records and performance data
- Keep the Team Manager informed of workload and risk issues
- Provide cover and undertake duties appropriate to the grade
Essential Requirements
- Qualified Social Worker (Degree/Diploma in Social Work or equivalent)
- Registered with the relevant Social Work regulatory body
- Minimum 2 years' current fostering experience
- Demonstrable experience assessing foster carers and kinship/connected carers
- Strong knowledge of fostering regulations, standards, and assessment frameworks
- Experience of safeguarding and risk assessment
- High standard of report writing and case recording
- Effective case and time management skills
- Strong partnership and multi-agency working ability
- Minimum of 3 years permanent experience within a local authority
Professional Responsibilities
- Participate in regular supervision and team meetings
- Engage in continuous professional development and training
- Follow Health Safety and safeguarding procedures
- Promote equality, diversity, and anti-discriminatory practice
- Maintain confidentiality at all times
- Contribute positively to team culture and service improvement
Additional Information
- Enhanced DBS check required
- Flexible working may be required, including occasional evenings
If you are ready to take your next locum role and meet the requirements above, apply today. You can also send me your most recent CV to .uk or contact me directly to learn more on . We do offer a referral bonus of £250 and so if you know someone who would be perfect for this role, pass along my details and ask them to get in touch (T's C's apply).
Social Worker in England employer: Service Care Solutions - Social Work
Southend on Sea Council is an exceptional employer for Social Workers, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the community. With flexible hybrid working options, competitive salaries, and a strong commitment to professional development, employees are empowered to grow their skills while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. The council fosters a culture of inclusivity and teamwork, ensuring that every team member feels valued and engaged in their vital work.
Contact Detail:
Service Care Solutions - Social Work Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience in fostering. They might know about openings or can give you a heads-up on what to expect in interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of fostering regulations and assessment frameworks. We want you to shine when discussing your experience and how it aligns with the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your report writing skills! Bring along examples of your clear, evidence-based assessments to demonstrate your expertise during interviews. It’s all about showing what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! We’re here to help you land that Social Worker role, so make sure you take advantage of our resources and support while you’re at it.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Social Worker role. Highlight your fostering experience and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about fostering and kinship care. Share specific examples of your experience that align with our needs.
Showcase Your Report Writing Skills:Since high-quality report writing is key in this role, consider including a brief example of your report writing in your application. This will give us a taste of your ability to produce clear, evidence-based assessments.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of everything. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions - Social Work
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fostering and kinship assessment processes. Familiarise yourself with the relevant regulations and standards, as well as any recent changes in legislation. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your skills in assessing foster carers and managing caseloads. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easier for the interviewers to see how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle various scenarios related to safeguarding and risk assessment. Think through potential situations beforehand and consider your approach. This will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Engage with the Panel
During the interview, make an effort to engage with the panel. Ask insightful questions about the team culture, ongoing projects, or challenges they face. This shows that you're not just there to answer questions but are also interested in being a part of their team and contributing positively.
