Connect2Surrey Locum Supervising Social Worker Childrens Services Fostering - Reigate In Surrey's Children, Families and Lifelong Learning services, we feel proud to have careers with a purpose, in many different roles, working closely with partners, that support real people and real lives. Supervising Social Workers in the UK are responsible for providing support, guidance, and supervision to foster carers to ensure the safety, well-being, and positive development of children and young people in foster care. Their duties typically involve a combination of assessment, training, monitoring, and support functions to promote high-quality foster care placements and positive outcomes for children in care. One of the primary responsibilities of Supervising Social Workers is to assess, approve, and supervise foster carers to ensure they meet the necessary standards and regulations for providing safe and nurturing care to children and young people. This involves conducting comprehensive assessments of prospective foster carers' suitability, skills, and capacity to meet the needs of children in care, as well as providing pre-approval training and support to prepare them for their role. Once the carers are approved, Supervising Social Workers provide ongoing support and supervision, to help them fulfill their responsibilities effectively. This includes regular home visits, meetings, and reviews to monitor the progress of placements, assess the needs of children and carers, and address any issues or challenges that may arise. They also provide guidance and training on topics such as child development, behaviour management, attachment, and trauma-informed care to enhance foster carers' skills and knowledge. Supervising Social Workers act as a key point of contact and support for both foster carers and children in care, advocating for their needs and facilitating access to relevant services and resources as required. They collaborate closely with other professionals, including social workers, educators, healthcare providers, and legal authorities, to ensure coordinated support and intervention for children and young people in foster care. Additionally, Supervising Social Workers play a role in facilitating contact arrangements between children in care and their birth families, supporting transitions between placements, and participating in permanency planning processes to secure stable, long-term placements for children when appropriate. Overall, Supervising Social Workers in the UK play a vital role in supporting and empowering foster carers to provide safe, stable, and nurturing environments for children and young people in care, promoting their well-being and positive development. Qualifications: A degree in social work. Registration with Social Work England as a qualified social worker. Previous experience working with children and families in a social work setting, preferably within Fostering & Adoption or Long Term Services. Strong assessment and analytical skills, with the ability to identify risks and develop effective plans. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with children and carers from diverse backgrounds. A commitment to upholding the highest standards of professional ethics and integrity. Benefits: Competitive rates commensurate with experience. Opportunities for professional development and continuing education. Supportive work environment with opportunities for collaboration and growth. Meaningful work that makes a positive impact on the lives of children and families in need. Should your skill set meet the criteria, please forward a copy of your CV to; Steven.bushellsurreycc.gov.uk Steven.bushellconnect2surrey.co.uk 07709 720 859 Connect2Surrey, part of Surrey County Council & Kent Commercial Services LLP, is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business and positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.