Job Description

We are excited to announce that we are actively seeking a talented Supervising Social Worker to join our team. Our organisation is well-established, diverse, and has an exceptional reputation for serving the West Midlands and surrounding areas. At Ideal Fostering, we pride ourselves on having a unique family-like team culture that is both fun and friendly. Social Workers at Ideal Fostering enjoy a variety of benefits, including protected caseloads, flexible working arrangements, remote work options, and numerous opportunities for career advancement and personal growth.

To be considered for this role, you must hold a qualification in Social Work, be registered with Social Work England, possess a current DBS, hold a UK Full Car Driving License, and have access to a vehicle. In addition, we are seeking someone who is a strong team player and can demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills. Represent Ideal Fostering's values and ethos, whilst developing and providing a service to all stakeholders.

Please see below for the impressive package of benefits that Ideal Fostering offers:

Capped caseloads with a gradual increase up to 12 fostering households

Formal induction and comprehensive and varied training provided

Option to develop role through training and/or progress through the agency with several lead role opportunities

Supportive and experienced management team within a family-run agency

Hybrid working arrangements to offer flexibility to our staff

Any extra hours completed over contracted hours can be claimed back and used as time off in lieu; this ensures staff have a good work life balance.

Comprehensive health care cover (including dental and optical cover, access to GP appointments, mental health support and cancer treatment to name a few) is provided

Free eye tests

Time off during Christmas in addition to annual leave (Office closes during Christmas)

Sick pay in-line with company policy

Company pension

Mileage given at 45p/mile

Support, advice, and guidance with caseload from resident psychotherapist.

Schedule

Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm and Friday 9am to 4.30pm.

Main Areas of Responsibilities

To provide regular support via telephone and supervisory visits to foster carers including occasional unannounced visits which are all recorded.

To monitor and review the suitability and competence of foster carers ensuring they provide a safe, healthy, nurturing and learning environment for children/young people.

To undertake annual foster carer home reviews and present these to the fostering panel.

To monitor and ensure children/young people and their families are provided with foster care services that reflect their assessed needs and value diversity and promote equality.

To liaise with the Local Authority Social Worker to obtain all relevant documentation as soon as the placement commences.

To facilitate, encourage and support contact as agreed in the care plan.

Ensure that the protection of children and the promotion of their welfare are given absolute priority in all activities and that critical incidents/allegations are recorded, investigated, and acted upon appropriately and in keeping with Ideal's and relevant local authority child protection procedures.

To ensure the necessary Risk Assessments and Placement Plans are completed and periodically updated and recorded on the file.

To ensure that children/young people's opinions and those significant others are sought over all issues which are likely to affect their daily life and their future and are aware of how to raise any concerns or complaints.

To support foster carers in preparing children and young people for independent or semi-independent living.

To ensure that carers fully understand the task, competencies to be achieved and the standards expected, including complaints and representation procedure.

To take responsibility for own professional development, supervision, appraisal, and training.

To ensure that each carer accepts, understands, and operates within Ideal's policy and guidance.

To ensure that placement agreements and comprehensive case recordings are maintained for children/young people and the foster carers.

To undertake direct work and assessment of child/young person and foster carers according to identified needs.

To work in partnership in a team using parenting approach to help identify any needs within the foster family e.g., respite, activities, therapy, holidays, with all members of the child's network, including contribution to all relevant meetings and any other tasks defined.

To attend and contribute to Team meetings on a regular basis.

To ensure confidentiality.

Take part in office duty.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to 38,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Bereavement leave Company pension Cycle to work scheme Flexitime Free flu jabs Free or subsidised travel Free parking Private dental insurance Private medical insurance Sick pay Work from home
Education:

Bachelor's (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Walsall WS2 9NW