At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and supervise foster and kinship carers to ensure children have safe, nurturing homes.
- Company: Join Staffordshire County Council's dedicated Fostering and Kinship Team.
- Benefits: Competitive pay rate of £33.30 per hour and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Enjoy a great work-life balance in beautiful Staffordshire with strong community support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work and a passion for supporting families and children.
Staffordshire County Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join its Fostering and Kinship Team. You will play a key role in assessing, supporting, and supervising foster carers and kinship carers, ensuring children are provided with safe, stable, and nurturing homes. This role involves working closely with children, carers, and multi-agency professionals to promote permanence and achieve positive outcomes for children in care.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake fostering and kinship assessments, including connected persons assessments.
- Support and supervise foster carers and kinship carers.
- Complete annual reviews and statutory visits.
- Contribute to care planning and permanence planning for children.
- Prepare high-quality reports for fostering panels and court proceedings where required.
- Work collaboratively with children's social workers and partner agencies.
- Promote placement stability and positive outcomes for children.
Practice Model Used by Staffordshire
Staffordshire operates a Strengths-Based Practice Model, supported by Restorative Practice principles. This approach focuses on:
- Building strong relationships with children, families, and carers
- Collaborative, solution-focused working
- Recognising strengths and support networks
- Transparent assessment and decision-making
- Reflective supervision and continuous professional development
The model supports consistent, child-centred practice and positive outcomes.
Why Staffordshire Is a Great Place to Live and Work
Staffordshire offers an excellent balance of countryside living and modern convenience:
- Home to beautiful outdoor spaces including Cannock Chase and the nearby Peak District National Park.
- Affordable housing and lower living costs than many areas of the UK.
- Friendly communities with excellent schools and local amenities.
- Strong transport links to Birmingham, Manchester, and the wider Midlands region.
- A supportive local authority committed to staff wellbeing, professional development, and improving outcomes for children.
It’s a fantastic place to build your career while enjoying a great quality of life.
Interested? To apply, please send your CV to: For more information, call: (phone number removed)
Social Worker in Stafford employer: Sheldon Phillips Ltd
Staffordshire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises staff wellbeing and professional development. As a Social Worker in the Fostering and Kinship Team, you will benefit from a collaborative culture that values strong relationships and child-centred practice, all while enjoying the beautiful countryside and vibrant communities of Staffordshire. With competitive pay and a commitment to positive outcomes for children, this role provides a meaningful opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of families and children in care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker in Stafford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who might know about opportunities at Staffordshire County Council. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on the Strengths-Based Practice Model. Be ready to discuss how you can apply this approach in your role and share examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for child welfare! During interviews or networking events, express your commitment to promoting positive outcomes for children in care. This will resonate well with the values of Staffordshire County Council.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker in Stafford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Social Worker role. Highlight your experience in fostering and kinship assessments, as well as any collaborative work you've done with multi-agency professionals.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working with children and families, and how your approach aligns with Staffordshire's Strengths-Based Practice Model. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to promote positive outcomes for children. Use metrics or examples where possible to illustrate your impact in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheldon Phillips Ltd
✨Know Your Strengths-Based Practice
Familiarise yourself with the Strengths-Based Practice Model that Staffordshire County Council uses. Be ready to discuss how you can apply this model in your work, especially in building relationships and recognising strengths in children and families.
✨Prepare for Assessments
Since you'll be undertaking fostering and kinship assessments, brush up on your assessment techniques. Think about examples from your past experience where you've successfully assessed situations or individuals, and be prepared to share these during the interview.
✨Showcase Collaborative Skills
This role involves working closely with various professionals. Prepare to discuss instances where you've collaborated effectively with others, particularly in multi-agency settings. Highlight your communication skills and how you ensure everyone is on the same page.
✨Bring Quality Report Samples
As you'll need to prepare high-quality reports, consider bringing samples of your previous work (if appropriate) to demonstrate your writing skills. Discuss your approach to report writing and how you ensure clarity and thoroughness in your documentation.