About The Job
Salary: £39,152 - £41,771 a year plus £5,500 market supplement allowance and £963 essential car user allowance (subject to criteria).
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type
Full-time. Please note this role does not attract sponsorship.
Responsibilities
* Carry out the full range of statutory Family Placement responsibilities in line with the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services and Fostering Services Regulations.
* Promote the best interests of children and young people at all times.
* Manage a varied caseload that includes the recruitment, assessment, supervision, and training of foster carers.
* Deliver high‑quality support and contribute to the planning and review processes for children in placement.
* Prepare and present detailed reports to the Fostering Panel.
* Work autonomously and in partnership with a range of professionals to ensure a seamless, high‑quality service.
Qualifications
* Substantial post‑qualifying experience in fostering and statutory children’s social work.
* A DipSW, CQSW or equivalent recognised professional qualification.
* Strong forensic assessment skills and the ability to supervise and support foster carers effectively.
* A thorough understanding of fostering legislation, regulations, and Care Planning and Fostering Regulations 2015.
* The ability to work on complex and challenging cases independently and as part of a team.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work with children, families, and multi‑agency professionals.
* A sound understanding of child development, family dynamics, and the ability to assess risk of significant harm.
* Commitment to identifying gaps in service and influencing service delivery.
* Willingness and ability to visit children and families in their own homes regularly.
About Us
Luton Council has been selected to deliver the government’s Families First for Children Pathfinder programme. This programme provides an opportunity to shape future social care practice and improve services for vulnerable children.
Benefits
* 25 to 32 days annual leave, linked to length of service and grade.
* Buying annual leave scheme – buy up to 20 additional days.
* Career Pathways – step up in your career or move into a specialist area.
* Pension scheme – generous employer contributions up to 20.2% and 3× salary death in service grant.
* Generous relocation package – up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility).
* Employee Assistance Programme – free 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support for employees and qualified dependents.
* Work/life balance – flexible working options including working from home and part‑time arrangements.
* Training and support – unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and clear career pathways.
* Staff offers – discounts on MOT, gym, restaurants, salons.
* Arriva Travel Club – savings on local bus travel.
* Friday Funday Socials – social events every two months.
Application Process
Because of the nature of this job, applicants must disclose all unspent cautions and convictions, and any adult cautions (simple or conditional), and spent convictions that are not protected. Applicants will not be refused a post because of offences that are not relevant or do not pose a risk. Failure to disclose may result in dismissal.
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