Job Description

Job Summary:

The focus of the role is to assist Affinity Fostering Services in their aim and duty to safeguard children at all times by assessing and supervising Foster Carers who will provide nurturing, safe, stable home environments to vulnerable children and people and therefore meeting Affinity Fostering's ethos of "Enhancing and Empowering Young People's Lives

Office Location:

Predominantly Clacton, Essex and surrounding area's

Attendance at team meetings and duty days in the Essex office

Salary:

38,977.26 per annum

40 ppm business mileage (first 10,000 per tax year, 25ppm thereafter) Option to join either BUPA Medical Cover or Death in Service Benefit Discretionary annual bonus Training programme as required for role Additional Car allowance

Contract Type:

Full-time, Permanent

Company Statements:

PRIMARY FOCUS: To Safeguard and Protect Children's Welfare

Safeguarding:

Our organisation acknowledges the duty of care to

safeguard

and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring

safeguarding

practice reflects statutory responsibilities, and government guidance and complies with best practice and OFSTED requirements.

Equality & Diversity:

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, colour, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any protected criteria.

General Purpose

Established in 2013, at Affinity Fostering we help people become Foster Carers for children across the Southeast and in Lincolnshire. With thousands of young people placed in care every year, it's our job to find them a safe, stable home to grow in. Ofsted have rated us as 'Outstanding' in all areas since our inception and again more recently we are proud to say in August 2022. We have a brilliant reputation for being focused on the children's needs and the quality of support we provide to our Foster Carers.

We have a new vacancy for a Supervising Social Worker to cover predominantly Clacton Essex and the Surrounding areas. You will be joining our existing experienced and professional Social Work Team in a role that is to support Foster Carers in their care, support, and nurture of vulnerable children and young people.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about positive outcomes for children and who is excited by the chance to contribute to Affinity Fostering's service delivery.

As a Supervising Social Worker, you will be able to manage your own diary, be highly organised, able to engage with diverse audiences and be flexible to meet the needs of our young people and their Foster Carers.

Principle Accountabilities

To act as a Supervising Social Worker to Foster Carers and in so doing maintain case records and general administration related to the Foster Carers and young people in their care. To undertake the writing of Form F's and present to Affinity Fostering's Independent Panel. To undertake regular and comprehensive supervision of Foster Carers in accordance with appropriate legislation and company Policies and Procedures. To participate in all Foster Carer Reviews including First Annual Reviews and presenting them to Affinity Fostering's Panel as and when required. To assess and identify support and training needs of Foster Carers and identify appropriate and recognised training. Ensuring all records, plans and procedures and any other data are kept up-to-date and in a tidy and well-ordered fashion within the Intuitive Care database system, ensuring that there are no substantial or unexplained gaps in the records. To participate within the company's staff development programme and promotion of specialist skills and to participate in all available consultancy. To concentrate on specific areas of work requiring more developed skills To develop links between the community and the Organisation to enable young people to participate fully in the life of their local community. To build and promote positive relationships between Affinity Fostering, Service Users and all professional personnel and supporting agencies.

Other Duties

To act always in accordance with all Regulations and Guidelines as laid down by all relevant Government Legislation. To act always in accordance with the Code of Practice of Social Work England. To operate within and ensure the promotion of the company's Equal Opportunities Policy in relation to Foster Carers and young people and other third parties. To participate fully in monthly Supervision with Line Manager. To participate fully in annual appraisal with Line Manager. To commit to company Equal Opportunities Policy. To have the ability to be flexible within a changing environment. To exercise personal responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act. To commit to developing appropriate additional skills to enhance performance and knowledge base. To undertake any training that may be identified by your Line Manager. To have the ability to work in a respectful manner, working within a Team environment. To have the ability to manage time and self in order to achieve objectives. To have /enhance good organisational

,

Teamwork and planning skills. To participate fully in the Out of Hours duty system. To participate fully in the Office duty system. To perform any other associated duties as required by the Senior Management Team and of the Director of Affinity Fostering from time to time.

Requirements:

Social Work qualification and registration Knowledge of fostering regulations and standards Appropriate level of safeguarding knowledge and informed practice Ability to handle and deal with confidential and sensitive information appropriately Confident communicator who can demonstrate empathy and listening skills Able to work independently and can also work as part of a team Competent in the use of IT software and Microsoft packages
Standard workings hours are 9:00am - 5:00pm Monday to Friday however you will be required to be flexible, depending on the need to undertake supervision visits, attendance at professional meetings and therefore you will be able to work flexibly. There will be a requirement to take part in the out-of-hours duty on a rota basis.

Due to the nature of this role and the commitment of Affinity Fostering to protect and promote the welfare of children and young people, the post will require an enhanced DBS check to be completed.

Excellent professional communication and people skills

Ideal but not necessary:

Two years' post qualification social work experience in social care

Experience of working in a fostering team

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 38,977.26 per year

Additional pay:

Bonus scheme
Benefits:

Company pension Free or subsidised travel On-site parking Private medical insurance Referral programme Sick pay Work from home
Schedule:

8 hour shift Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:

Ingatestone CM4 9NR: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):

Knowledge of fostering legislation Do you hold a Social Work England Registration ?
Experience:

Social Work: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Ingatestone CM4 9NR

Application deadline: 04/07/2025
Reference ID: ESSEXAFSSSW2025