At a Glance
- Tasks: Support recruitment and training of foster carers, making a real difference in children's lives.
- Company: Team Fostering, an ethical not-for-profit agency with an outstanding reputation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, 30 days annual leave, monthly supervision, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and development in a dynamic, fast-paced setting.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team dedicated to improving outcomes for children and young people.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care, strong communication skills, and a commitment to fostering values.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We offer a blend of home and office-based working arrangements, to support a healthy work-life balance for all our staff. This will be a minimum of one day per week working based either at our North Tyneside or Middlesbrough office.
Hours: 18.75 hours per week covering Monday to Sunday
18 month fixed-term
Please note we do not operate a performance related reward system or automatic incremental payments.
Team Fostering is an ethical not for profit fostering agency with a strong reputation and track record for providing high quality, fostering placements for looked after children. We pride ourselves on our values and our commitment to making positive changes for children and young people. Our Northeast Service was graded as Outstanding by Ofsted in November 2025.
As a Recruitment, Retention and Development Social Worker for Team Fostering you will play a vital role in supporting us to make those changes happen. Key responsibilities include:
- Working in partnership with the relevant managers to develop, facilitate and review training of prospective foster carers for the Northeast Region.
- Support, development, implementation and delivery of specialised recruitment campaigns.
- Acting as key point of contact for applicants in the process of assessment to become foster carers.
- Offering support, guidance and advice to independent social workers.
- Quality Assurance of Initial Visits and Form F Assessments.
- Identifying, addressing and resolving retention concerns to support the delivery of the Carer Recruitment and Retention Strategy.
- Maintaining oversight of changing trends in foster care recruitment and liaise with the Director of Business Operations to develop strategies that meet need and reflect changing landscape.
We are looking for a passionate individual, with a drive to improve outcomes for children and young people. We would welcome applications from skilled professionals, preferably with experience of working in a social care setting who are able to demonstrate the following:
- A detailed understanding of fostering and associated processes and procedures.
- Ability to develop and deliver training and support learning and service development.
- Resilience to deal with sensitive information concerning children and young people.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing tight deadlines and competing priorities while remaining adaptable to changing plans.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for engaging with internal and external colleagues.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Teams with the ability to lead and chair meetings in a professional and engaging manner.
- Excellent negotiation skills to influence decisions and secure the best outcomes for children.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, being supportive, considerate, and available to assist colleagues when needed.
- Self-motivation with proven ability to work independently and maintain productivity in a remote environment.
- Commitment to the ethos and values of Team Fostering, with a genuine passion for making a positive difference in the lives of children and families.
- Open to learning and development, receptive to feedback, and proactive in asking questions and seeking support.
In return we offer an exceptional range of employee benefits including:
- Monthly supervision
- 30 days annual leave plus 8 days
Recruitment, Retention & Development Social Worker employer: Team Fostering Ltd
Contact Detail:
Team Fostering Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Recruitment, Retention & Development Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience with fostering. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you insider tips on the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Team Fostering's values and recent achievements. Show us that you're not just passionate about social work but also about making a positive impact in the lives of children and families. Tailor your responses to reflect our mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be engaging with various stakeholders, it’s crucial to articulate your thoughts clearly. Consider mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Recruitment, Retention & Development Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for improving outcomes for children and young people shine through. We want to see your genuine commitment to fostering and how you can contribute to our mission at Team Fostering.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Recruitment, Retention and Development Social Worker. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. This helps us see why you're a great fit!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your written application clear and concise. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and get straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Team Fostering.
How to prepare for a job interview at Team Fostering Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of fostering processes and procedures. Brush up on the latest trends in foster care recruitment, as well as Team Fostering's values and mission. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to making a positive impact.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in developing and delivering training, as well as your ability to manage sensitive information. Think about specific situations where you've demonstrated resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
✨Engage with Confidence
Practice your communication skills, especially for leading meetings on Microsoft Teams. Be ready to discuss how you can effectively engage with both internal and external colleagues, showcasing your negotiation skills to secure the best outcomes for children.
✨Be Open and Receptive
Demonstrate your willingness to learn and grow by being open to feedback during the interview. Ask insightful questions about the role and the team, showing that you're proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to Team Fostering's mission.