Fostering Hub Social Worker
Grade/Salary: 7/8 (SCP 26-36) £37,280 - £46,142 per annum plus payment of an Essential Car User Allowance of £1,239 per annum and 2 % Recruitment and Retention Allowance.
Contract Type: 12 month Fixed Term
Location: Sandhill Centre
Closing date: 12/01/26
Interview Date: 19/01/26
Join our Team
Together for Children Sunderland is on a transformative journey to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people in Sunderland. We are an outstanding Ofsted‑rated Children’s service, and if you’re committed to helping children, families, and our community thrive and have the skills to support our mission, we would love to hear from you. You can learn more about us here: Together for Children.
Foster with North East is a fostering recruitment hub based within Together for Children. The hub was the first recruitment hub in the country and has led the way in the development of a further nine hubs across the country. The hub manages the initial recruitment stages of prospective foster carers across the 12 local authorities, covering an area from North Yorkshire to Scotland.
About the role
You will join a small team to support prospective foster carers through the application and assessment journey and support the Fostering Hub with the planning and delivery of pre‑approved training for prospective foster carers.
You will be responsible for the initial screening and training of prospective foster carers across the 12 north east local authorities, ensuring that sound advice and guidance is shared with prospective foster carers.
You will need to have sound knowledge of the Children Act 1989 and be able to demonstrate excellent communication and negotiation skills. Experience of working with children, foster carers, parents and other professionals is highly desirable. Knowledge of family finding and matching children with carers would also be an advantage.
A good understanding of the Fostering Regulations, Guidance and National Minimum Standards 2011 (England) is expected.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
“Due to recent changes in UKVI rules, this role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under the updated eligibility requirements effective 22 July 2025.” – add to advert if applicable
Requirements
* Educated to degree level with appropriate professional qualification: Social Work (CSS/CQSW or DipSw, MA SW, BA Hons SW)
* Current SWE Registration and enhanced DBS clearance.
* Current driving licence and access to a car or means to mobility support.
* Contact Chris James at christopher.james@togetherforchildren.org.uk for an informal discussion.
Why work with us?
Make a difference
Our work matters. The work we do is incredibly rewarding. Join us and make a difference in the lives of our children, families, and community.
Inclusion
Thrive in our diverse and inclusive culture and be part of our employee networks, including Accessibility, LGBTQ+, Racial Equality, Armed Forces and Menopause.
Work‑Life Balance
We offer a hybrid model of working with agile and flexible working arrangements, including part‑time opportunities, flexible hours, and the possibility of remote work arrangements.
Professional Development
Advance your career with our comprehensive induction, supervision, peer support, and supportive environment.
Be part of a happier, healthier workforce
Benefit from our wide range of wellbeing activities and employee assistance programmes.
Attractive Salary, Benefits and Rewards
For additional information please follow this link Together for Children Benefits and rewards.
We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including but not limited to various ages, disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, beliefs, races, and ethnicities. We aim for our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
We are committed to making our application process accessible to everyone. Please reach out to our EDI Lead EDI@togetherforchildren.org.uk or peoplesupport@togetherforchildren.org.uk so we can discuss any adjustments or support we can provide during the recruitment process or within the workplace.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants who can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked‑after young person, are care experienced, or are a veteran.
Are you ready to make a difference?
Go to North East Jobs - Together for Children - Sunderland, and complete our online application form.
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