An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Kinship Support Team. We are looking for a Kinship Support Social Worker to join our friendly and supportive team and work alongside experienced social workers and Family Help Lead Practitioners. Our management team is stable, knowledgeable and restorative, and we provide regular formal and informal case supervision, peer support and training opportunities. You will have the chance to shape how we support kinship families in Plymouth.
We are seeking a dedicated and highly motivated social worker with a minimum of 2‑3 years’ experience in children services, a passion for positively impacting the lives of children and families, and the ability to carry out robust support needs assessments for kinship carers.
Core Responsibilities and Focus Areas
* Comprehensive assessment & analysis—assess need and risk and ensure the right support is accessed in a timely manner to avoid kinship arrangements breaking down.
* Integral support planning—work closely with assessing social workers prior to final orders to ensure proposed support plans meet needs of child and carers. Review and update plans as needs and circumstances change.
* Focus on the child’s voice—include child’s wishes and feelings and the views of parents. Promote and ensure the best interests of children and advocate for their needs and rights with other professionals and agencies.
* Regulatory compliance—be familiar with legislation relating to special guardianship orders and wider kinship placements and current reforms.
* Collaboration—work collaboratively with local authorities, social services and other stakeholders to develop partnerships supporting kinship carers and children, particularly with SEND, schools, CAMHS and PIAS.
* Support and guidance—provide emotional and practical support to kinship carers, addressing concerns or challenges.
* Administrative duties—maintain accurate and up‑to‑date documentation in line with relevant policies, procedures and statutory requirements.
Key Activities
* Direct work—conduct assessment sessions and work directly with carers, children and birth parents.
* Report and application submission—manage workload to ensure reports submitted accurately on time and applications to the ASGSF are made without delay.
* Professional conduct—maintain accurate and secure records, build positive professional relationships and demonstrate commitment to equality of opportunity.
* Professional development—undertake further training and enhance practice, maintain registration with a relevant professional body (e.g., SWE).
* Duty system—staff the team duty system on a rota with other members.
* Supervision—engage in reflective supervision with team manager and peers.
Skills and Competencies
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, building rapport with diverse individuals.
* Strong assessment and analytical skills to evaluate kinship placement support needs.
* Robust understanding of trauma impacts and neurodiversity intersections.
* Excellent risk assessment skills and familiarity with safeguarding procedures.
* Knowledge of various kinship care forms, including special guardianship orders, kinship foster care, private fostering, kinship adoption and informal arrangements.
* Knowledge of the difference between private and public court proceedings.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced environment.
* Problem‑solving skills with a proactive and positive approach to challenges.
* Strong organisational and time‑management skills.
Equal Opportunities Statement
Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with an existing right to work in the UK.
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