Social Worker (maternity cover up to 12 months FTC, p-t 29.6 hrs p/w)NHS

Job summary

As a Social Worker, you are an experienced practitioner who is talented, passionate and reliable. Current registration with Social Work England is essential as well as experience of working within the legal frameworks that support our work.

You will have a sound knowledge of relevant child care legislation, good report writing and oral communication skills and the ability to work to court and fostering panel timescales.

A strong communicator who values collaboration and works effectively with colleagues, carers and partner agencies, you are confident in undertaking assessments, presenting information clearly and making balanced, child-focused recommendations with experience in completing Form F, Special Guardianship and Connected Person assessments.

Main duties of the job

• To supervise and support foster carers, liaising with Social Workers, senior practitioners and Family Workers to enable them to support foster carers and young people appropriately.
• To support the recruitment and assessment process of foster carers to enable more of our vulnerable children to be placed in local placements, near to their family and friends.
• To work with the childs Social Worker to achieve permanence for the child, whether this be through long term fostering or special guardianship.

This role will enable you to continually develop your skills and knowledge, as well as contribute to the ongoing improvement of the services and support we deliver.

Job description

Please see the attached job description and person specification for full details of this part time, maternity cover role.

About us

The Family Placement Team is a small, welcoming and highly supportive team where strong working relationships are key. We recognise that our work can be complex, so we prioritise peer support, open communication and shared problem-solving.

We work closely with Childrens Social Workers and other professionals to ensure that vulnerable children receive the best possible care and support. Our team is responsible for assessing prospective foster carers, special guardians, connected persons and private foster carers, as well as contributing to foster carer recruitment and delivering training to support carers in their role.

You will be part of a team that values quality practice and takes pride in ensuring children are placed locally with suitable carers whenever possible. With supportive managers, knowledgeable colleagues and dedicated administrative support, you will have the time and space to focus on meaningful work and build strong relationships with those you support.