Job Introduction
Join Us on Our Journey of change and aspiration. Become a Fostering Social Worker in our Support and Development Team. Are you ready to be part of a fostering service that’s evolving, innovating, and striving for excellence? An exciting opportunity has arisen for a passionate and skilled Social Worker to join our Support and Development Team at a pivotal time of growth and transformation.
We are building a service that puts children at the heart of everything we do, and we’re looking for someone who shares our vision of creating safe, nurturing, and aspirational environments for children and young people in foster care.
Responsibilities
* Champion the needs of children by working closely with foster carers, families, and professionals to ensure every child receives the support they deserve.
* Hold and manage a diverse and complex caseload, using your expertise to navigate challenges and celebrate successes.
* Mentor and support colleagues, contributing to a culture of learning, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
* Drive innovation and best practice, helping shape the future of our fostering service during this exciting period of change.
Benefits
You will be part of a forward‑thinking team that values creativity, resilience, and relationship‑based practice. Reporting directly to a supportive team manager, you will benefit from:
* Regular reflective supervision, both individually and in groups.
* Tailored professional development opportunities, empowering you to grow and thrive at every stage of your career.
* A dynamic and inclusive working environment, where your voice matters and your impact is recognised.
Qualifications
* You will hold a degree in Social Work - CQSW, DipSW or equivalent and be registered with Social Work England.
* Demonstrable post‑qualifying experience of working with children and families.
* A driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes is essential.
Our Offer to You
* Salary - social worker £38,746 to £41,956 per annum.
* Market Allowance - £3,000 per annum (paid monthly in 12 equal payments).
* Retention Payment - £2,000 per annum (paid in April following 2 years service with Medway Council).
* Essential Car User allowance or access to a lease car.
* Generous annual leave entitlement.
* Generous local government pension scheme package.
* Access to wider training and development qualifications.
* Flexible working scheme.
* Travel plan discounts.
* Access to CAREFIRST advice & counselling service.
* Employee discount scheme for national and local retailers.
* The Government has introduced new ways of supporting parents with childcare costs. Further details are available here: https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
* Hybrid working style – can work from home or in the office.
For Informal Discussion
Please contact Fostering and Adoption Service Manager, George Layzell on 01634 333006.
#MakeItMedway
Our Organisation
Medway is a unitary authority in the South East of England, made up of the towns of Strood, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham and Rainham and more rural areas, including the Hoo Peninsula. Situated in Kent in the South‑East of England, the area has plenty of green spaces, excellent facilities and easy access to the national motorway and rail networks, facilitating superb transport links to London. We provide all local Government services for a quarter of a million people, looking after education, environment, social care, housing, planning, business and much more – everything from frontline services such as rubbish collection and events like the Dickens Festival to work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure services in Medway run smoothly and cost effectively. Working at Medway Council means that you get to be part of this journey working alongside talented, professional colleagues to drive forward change to transform the lives of our residents and the communities they live in.
Important Information
Applicants must be able to demonstrate all essential requirements as listed in the job profile. Medway Council are not able to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship, so candidates must already possess the right to work in the UK. We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.
Equal Opportunities Commitment Statement
Medway Council is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All appropriately qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age.
Salary and Contract
Salary: Up to £44,956 per annum (inclusive of market premia) + annual retention payment
Frequency: Annual
Job Reference: CSC/25/640/CD
Contract Type: Permanent Full Time
Working Hours: 37
Closing Date: 16 March, 2026
Job Category: Children's Services
Business Unit: People (Children's, Adults, Public Health, Education & SEND)
Location: Broadside, Leviathan Way, Chatham, Kent, United Kingdom
Directorate: People (Children, Adults, Public Health, Education & SEND)
Service: Children's Services
Children's Services: Fostering, Provider Services
Posted on: 2 March, 2026
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