We are looking for an full time social worker to join our Fostering Recruitment and Assessment team as an Assessing Social Worker within Devon. If you are passionate about supporting Children in Foster Care to thrive, then we want to hear from you!
About the role
As an Assessing Social Worker within Fostering Recruitment and Assessment, you will be responsible for assessing individuals who apply to become mainstream foster carers for Devon County Council. From the initial assessment of the first application right through to post-panel approval, you will provide expert guidance and support for applicants.
During this process, you will be expected to assess applicants suitability by completing initial fostering visits and a comprehensive, in-depth Form F Fostering Assessment before presenting applicants to the fostering panel.
Following approval from the panel, you will continue to support and supervise the foster carers for a period of up to 3 months, Your guidance, advice, and regular supervision will help ensure safe, supportive, and nurturing fostering environments for Devon’s children.
All responsibilities must be carried out in line with the National Minimum Standards for Fostering, the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011, and any other relevant legislation.
As part of this role you will be expected to:
Oversee and contribute to quality assurance processes within the serviceAssist in delivering training to both prospective and existing foster carers, supporting local fostering recruitment eventsChampion high standards of professional social work practice across the teamDemonstrate strong knowledge of fostering regulations and the legal options that enable children to be cared for by individuals within their network
About you
You will bring the following skills and experience:
Be a qualified and SWE‑registered Children’s Social WorkerHave satisfactorily completed your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE)Have experience completing social care assessments, ideally including Form F or Form C assessments but other sector or team assessing experiences are transferrableExperience of assessing and or supervising foster carers is desirable, though not essentialExceptional communication skills and the ability to build effective, trusting relationshipsStrong knowledge of fostering regulations, guidance, and relevant legislationEither have previous experience within a fostering service or be able to demonstrate clear transferable skills from another roleShow excellent time‑management, written recording, and planning skillsBe able to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service and the families you support. This may include occasional weekend work for recruitment events and some evening sessions when completing assessments with prospective foster carersBe willing and able to work across the whole of Fostering Devon’s geographical area
What we can offer you
We have some fantastic employee benefits available, including:
26 days paid annual leave per year, rising to 31 days with 5 years’ continuous service, plus bank holidays. Free onsite parking Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee well-being services Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home Discounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers through our benefits platform Cycle to work scheme Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
If you are looking to move to Devon, subject to qualifying conditions, we offer a generous relocation allowance. There has never been a better time to make the move!
Ready to Make a Real Difference?
To find out more about the Fostering Assessment & Recruitment Team or the role, please contact the Team Manager, Sally Willox () for a friendly, informal chat.
Applications close on 12 July 2026. If a sufficient number of applications are received the advert may close early, therefore please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Please note: This role is not currently eligible for sponsorship or resettlement.
For the vital contribution you make, you will receive the following:
Generous annual leave, with the ability to purchase additional Free onsite parking.Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee well-being services.We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.Discounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers through our benefits platform.Cycle to work scheme.Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
