Fostering Social Worker

About the job

Key information

• Full time permanent position
• Flexible working in line with Somerset Council’s Dynamic Working Strategy
• At Somerset Council, we are proud to support our frontline workers with access to innovative AI technology. Our greatest asset is our dedicated workforce, and we need to ensure we evolve with technology and new ways to invest in them. We’re currently utilising Magic Notes, which has proven to help social workers reduce the amount of time spent on administrative work, allowing them to focus on using their skillset and creativity to support our shared vision of improving the life chances and outcomes for children in Somerset.

What will I be doing?

Here in Somerset, our manageable caseloads let you be the innovative and creative worker you want to be. The family finder promotes best practice when matching children with their prospective carers and supporting children’s transitions into long term placements. You will work with childcare social workers, residential children’s homes, supervising social workers (both in Somerset and external providers), and foster carers to develop robust matching and support plans. With permanent Team Managers and a permanent stable senior leadership team you’ll be well supported with regular and reflective supervision.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

We are looking for a qualified social worker registered with Social Work England who has experience of working with children in care or fostering services. You will have excellent knowledge of the needs and support of children in care, including the importance of permanence.

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, within a team who are passionate about the work that they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset. You will hold a full driving licence and have access to your own vehicle as travel is required.

What is in it for me?

We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

• We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
• Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more

DBS check

In this role you will require a criminal background check via Disclosure and Barring Service.

Supporting documents and information

We’d love to hear from you if you think this could be the role for you, so for an informal chat about our jobs in Somerset please contact: Jackie Hooper via email Jackie.Hooper@somerset.gov.uk

The office base would be Yeovil or Shepton Mallet.

Please Note: We may consider offering Skilled Worker visa sponsorship to suitably qualified overseas social workers who are already residing in the UK. To be eligible, applicants must hold a recognised social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England. Sponsorship will be assessed as part of the recruitment process. This is only available to candidates currently living in the UK, as unfortunately we are unable to provide resettlement support.

We anticipate offering and conducting interviews ahead of the closing date for suitable candidates.

Apply on the Somerset Council website

Apply now