Senior Social Work Assistant (SSWA)
Closing in 16 days (18 September 2026 12:00 am)
Job details
Salary: £25,989 - £28,142 per annum (depending on experience)
Employer: Homes and Horizons
Location: County Wide, Somerset,
Contract type: Fixed term
Working pattern: Full time
Closing date: 18 September 2026 12:00 am
About the job
Key information
Senior Social Work Assistant (SSWA)
6-Month Secondment Opportunity – April 2027
Salary: £25,989 – £28,142 per annum (depending on experience)
Working Arrangements: To be based at the Bridgwater office on Tuesdays, then a mix of foster carer homes and remote working.
Homes and Horizons Fostering | Somerset
Are you passionate about supporting children and young people to achieve positive outcomes? Do you want to gain valuable experience in fostering, safeguarding and trauma-informed practice within a highly regarded fostering service? Homes and Horizons Fostering is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Senior Social Work Assistant (SSWA) to join our team on a 6-month secondment basis.
Homes and Horizons Fostering is an independent fostering agency that forms part of the wider Homes and Horizons partnership. We provide high-quality, family-based fostering for children and young people with complex needs, helping children to experience stability, nurture and positive relationships within a family environment. We are proud to have been rated Good in all areas by
Ofsted, reflecting our commitment to delivering high-quality, child-centred care and positive outcomes for children and young people.
What will I be doing?
About the Role
This is a varied and rewarding opportunity within a small, supportive team consisting of the Registered Manager, Deputy Manager, Supervising and Assessing Social Worker, and Business Support.
As a Senior Social Work Assistant, you will:
• Work directly with foster carers, children and young people, delivering targeted interventions and support.
• Support foster carers with their training, development and completion of Training, Support and Development (TSD) Standards.
• Undertake Initial Home Visits with prospective foster carers and support fostering recruitment activities and events.
• Assist with fostering assessments and compliance activity, including statutory checks and record keeping.
• Promote therapeutic, trauma-informed approaches when working with children, carers and professionals.
• Help facilitate foster carer events, support groups and information sessions.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and success of the fostering service.
What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?
About You
You do not need a social work qualification to apply for this role. We welcome applications from individuals who have experience working with children, young people, families, carers or within a social care environment and who can demonstrate:
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Confidence in maintaining accurate records and using IT systems effectively.
• Empathy, professionalism and a child-centred approach.
• An NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or relevant equivalent experience.
What is in it for me?
Why Join Us?
This secondment offers an excellent development opportunity for anyone interested in:
• Fostering and permanence services
• Family support and safeguarding
• Therapeutic and trauma-informed practice
• Foster carer recruitment and assessment
• Working within an Ofsted-rated Good fostering service
You’ll gain valuable experience across a broad range of fostering activities while making a genuine difference to the lives of children, young people and foster families.
DBS check
This role is subject to safer recruitment checks including an Enhanced DBS
Supporting documents and information
Interested?
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Donna Markham (Registered Manager) or Shannon George (Interim Talent Acquisition Manager)