About the Role
Shropshire Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join their Fostering Service on a 3-month maternity cover, supporting foster carers and ensuring high-quality care placements for children and young people.
This is a varied and relationship-focused role, working across the full fostering journey-from assessing prospective carers to supporting approved carers in delivering safe, stable and nurturing placements.
You'll play a vital role in ensuring fostering households meet regulatory standards, while promoting a trauma-informed, child-centred approach to care.
Hybrid: Home-based with office attendance (approx. 2-3 times per month)
Key Responsibilities
Complete initial home visits, supporting applicants through the fostering journey
Undertake robust, analytical fostering assessments in line with legislation and best practice
Identify development needs and contribute to Personal Development Plans (PDPs)
Present clear recommendations to Fostering Panel and Agency Decision Maker
Support Fostering Hub and preparation groups for prospective carers
Provide regular supervision, guidance and emotional support
Support carers to deliver safe, stable and therapeutic care
Empower carers to meet children's needs and promote placement stability
Help carers overcome barriers to training and development
Conduct regular visits to fostering households
Monitor the quality of care, home environment and child's progress
Ensure compliance with Fostering Regulations, National Minimum Standards and safeguarding requirements
Work collaboratively with adoption teams, IFAs, education, CAMHS and other partners
Support placement stability through timely interventions and coordinated support
Contribute to managing capacity and transitions across services
Contribute to service improvement initiatives
Support engagement activities and wider fostering promotion
Ensure practice consistently meets regulatory and quality standards
Why Join Shropshire?
Flexible hybrid working (predominantly home-based)
Opportunity to work in a supportive, specialist fostering service
Meaningful role supporting carers and children directly
Short-term contract with immediate impact
Strong emphasis on trauma-informed and child-centred practice
Experience/Skills
Hold a recognised Social Work qualification
Are registered with Social Work England
Have experience within fostering or children's social care
Can confidently complete assessments and provide carer supervision
Have strong communication, analytical and relationship-building skills
Are committed to trauma-informed, child-centred practice
Hold a full UK driving licence and can travel across Shropshire
If you're an experienced Social Worker looking for a flexible fostering role where you can make a real difference in a short-term contract, we'd love to hear from you