Supervising Social Worker (Fostering)

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Supervising Social Worker (Fostering)
PERSON REPORTS TO: Fostering Team Manager or Registered Manager
PURPOSE OF JOB: To supervise, support, train, and review approved foster carers within [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]. To work in partnership with other professionals to provide safe, nurturing placements that enable children and young people to thrive and reach their full potential.
JOB CONTEXT: Our company strives to provide services that are user-friendly and sensitive to the individual needs of our placements, local authorities, and all sections of the community. It is the responsibility of all employees to uphold this commitment within our ethos of service, quality, equality, and partnership. Partnership refers to our commitment to close collaboration with colleagues and working jointly with our service users.

Duties

• Provide support and supervision to carers in line with statutory guidelines, National Minimum Standards, Fostering Services Regulations, and [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]’s policies.
• Review foster carer approval terms as required and present cases to the Fostering Panel when necessary.
• Provide feedback to the Registered Manager or Team Manager regarding cases.
• Prioritise tasks effectively and plan ahead.
• Problem-solve and adapt to changing environments.
• Actively recruit and assess applicants wishing to foster on behalf of the agency, as needed.
• Participate in Looked After Children (LAC) planning meetings and statutory reviews.
• Undertake office duty, placement searches, matching, and respond to crises as required.
• Develop and maintain positive, professional working relationships with colleagues in Children’s Services and other partner agencies.
• Assist in the development of, and attend, foster carer support groups.
• Actively participate in, and facilitate foster carer training, both pre- and post-approval.
• Participate in the agency’s out-of-hours duty system to support carers in emergencies.
• Contribute to the development of the fostering service to address unmet needs and respond to legislative changes.
• Carry out any other duties reasonably requested by the manager.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records using relevant electronic and manual systems (e.g., CHARMS).
• Develop professional skills through regular supervision and by undertaking appropriate training.
• Stay informed about changes in legislation, policies, and practices, and incorporate them into professional practice.
• Actively engage in regular supervision sessions.
• Participate in an annual appraisal.
• Work collaboratively as part of the team to support the development and continuous improvement of the service.
• Be willing to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends, and undertake tasks not specifically covered in the job description, when required.
• Work in partnership with other professionals and regulatory bodies.
• Maintain registration as a Social Worker with Social Work England.
• Ensure safe working practices for yourself and others, in line with the agency’s Health and Safety and Lone Working policies.
• Actively support and implement the principles and practices of equality of opportunity, in accordance with the agency’s Equal Opportunities Policy.
• Attend team meetings and contribute to the continuous improvement of the organisation.
• Undertake other duties as may reasonably be assigned, commensurate with the level of responsibility.

This job description forms part of your main Terms and Conditions of Employment. This job description reflects the main responsibilities of the role. Duties may evolve in response to organisational needs and will be reviewed in consultation with the post holder.

Person Specification

Education/Qualification

• Recognised social work qualification e.g. CQSW, DipSW, Degree. (Essential)
• Registered with Social Work England. (Essential)
• Evidence of a commitment to continued professional development. (Essential)

Experience & Knowledge

• Knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation including Children’s Act, fostering regulations and standards. (Essential)
• Knowledge and understanding of the needs of looked after children. (Essential)
• A working knowledge of child development and child protection theories, including attachment theory. (Essential)

Skills & Abilities

• Effective negotiating and interpersonal skills including the ability to manage conflict. (Essential)
• Flexibility and personal commitment to high professional standards. (Essential)
• Ability to work in partnership with colleagues in an effective manner. (Essential)
• Good oral and written communication skills. (Essential)
• Good standard of recording and report writing skills e.g. annual reviews, care plans and reviews. (Essential)
• Able to work independently and within a team. (Essential)
• Ability to organise and prioritise own work and balance varying priorities. (Essential)
• Committed to involving service users and carers in the agencies work where appropriate. (Desirable)
• Ability to liaise with a range of professionals – GPs, education, consultants and social workers. (Essential)
• Ability to support and develop adults in their role as foster carers. (Essential)
• Ability to work closely with children and young people, listening to their views. (Essential)
• Ability to motivate and engage young people in group activities. (Essential)
• Ability to work according to the companies Policies and Procedures. (Essential)
• Ability to facilitate young people’s recreational needs, daily independent living skills and to promote their emotional well being. (Essential)

Personality

• Well presented (Essential)
• Enthusiastic (Essential)
• Highly motivated (Essential)
• Empathetic (Essential)

Other Requirements

• Flexible approach to working hours, including out-of-hours / on call system. (Essential)
• Full current driving license and access to a vehicle. (Desirable)
• Able to undertake shift work including bank holidays. (Essential)
• Commitment to equal opportunities principles. (Essential)
• Satisfactory Enhanced DBS check. (Essential)
• Satisfactory References. (Essential)
• Right to work in the UK. (Essential)