Job Description

Join Us on Our Journey of change and aspiration. Become a Fostering Social Worker in our Support and Development Team


Are you ready to be part of a fostering service that's evolving, innovating, and striving for excellence? An exciting opportunity has arisen for a passionate and skilled Social Worker to join our Support and Development Team at a pivotal time of growth and transformation.


We are building a service that puts children at the heart of everything we do, and we're looking for someone who shares our vision of creating safe, nurturing, and aspirational environments for children and young people in foster care.

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As a Fostering Social Worker, you will

Champion the needs of children by working closely with foster carers, families, and professionals to ensure every child receives the support they deserve. Hold and manage a diverse and complex caseload, using your expertise to navigate challenges and celebrate successes. Mentor and support colleagues, contributing to a culture of learning, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Drive innovation and best practice, helping shape the future of our fostering service during this exciting period of change.

You will be part of a forward-thinking team that values creativity, resilience, and relationship-based practice. Reporting directly to a supportive Team Manager, you will benefit from:

Regular reflective supervision, both individually and in groups. Tailored professional development opportunities, empowering you to grow and thrive at every stage of your career. A dynamic and inclusive working environment, where your voice matters and your impact is recognised.

This is more than just a job, it is a chance to be part of something bigger. If you're ready to make a real difference and help shape the future of fostering, we would love to hear from you.

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About you

You will hold a degree in Social Work - CQSW, DipSW or equivalent and be registered with Social Work England Demonstrable post qualifying experience of working with children and families A driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes is essential.
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Our offer to you

In addition to the annual salary, we are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including -

Salary - social worker 38,746 to 41,956 per annum or experienced social worker 41,957 to 45,829 per annum Market Allowance - social worker/experienced social worker 3,000 per annum (paid monthly in 12 equal payments) Retention Payment - 2,000 per annum (paid in April following 2 years' service with Medway Council) Essential Car User allowance or access to a lease car Generous annual leave entitlement Generous local government pension scheme package Access to wider training and development qualifications Flexible working scheme Travel plan discounts Access to CAREFIRST advice & counselling service Employee discount scheme for national and local retailers The Government has introduced new ways of supporting parents with childcare costs. Further details are available here: - https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ Hybrid working style - can work from home or in the office.

For Informal Discussion, please feel free to contact Fostering and Adoption Service Manager, George Layzell on 01634 333006.


#MakeItMedway

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Our organisation

Medway is a unitary authority in the Southeast of England, made up of the towns of Strood, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham and Rainham and more rural areas, including the Hoo Peninsula.


Situated in Kent in the South-East of England, the area has plenty of green spaces, excellent facilities and easy access to the national motorway and rail networks, facilitating superb transport links to London.


We provide all local Government services for a quarter of a million people, looking after education, environment, social care, housing, planning, business and much more - everything from frontline services such as rubbish collection and events like the Dickens Festival to work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure services in Medway run smoothly and cost effectively.


Working at Medway Council means that you get to be part of this journey working alongside talented, professional colleagues to drive forward change to transform the lives of our residents and the communities they live in.

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Important Information

Applicants must be able to demonstrate all essential requirements as listed in the job profile. This post is subject to an Enhanced Children's DBS check.
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Equal Opportunities Commitment Statement

Medway Council is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All appropriately qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age.


For further information please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.


Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.


Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.


We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.