Children’s Social Worker – Fostering Kinship
Join to apply for the Children’s Social Worker – Fostering Kinship role at Hoople Group
Job Details
* Title: Children’s Social Worker – Fostering Kinship
* Salary: HC8 £36,363 – £40,777 (plus £5,000 market rate supplement)
* Welcome payment: £10,000
* Contract: Permanent
* Hours: 37 per week
* Location: Herefordshire
* Relocation package: up to £10,000
* Closing date: 30/11/2025
Introduction
The Fostering Kinship team consists of a Team Manager, Managing Practitioner, Senior Practitioners, Social Workers, and a Family Support Worker. Together we provide comprehensive support for children and families, guided by a restorative approach to social work. Collaboration and reflection are at the heart of our practice, with senior managers always available for guidance and support.
The Role
Are you passionate about supporting children to remain within their family networks? Do you have a strong background in completing robust, child‑centred assessments? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Herefordshire Council’s Kinship Team invites applications for a dedicated Kinship Assessing Social Worker to help ensure children can thrive in safe, nurturing kinship arrangements.
Key Responsibilities
* Undertake full kinship assessments, including viability assessments and Special Guardianship reports.
* Engage with families sensitively and respectfully to understand their strengths and challenges.
* Collaborate with colleagues across fostering and safeguarding teams.
* Present assessments to fostering panels.
* Contribute to the development of best practice in kinship care across the service.
About You
* Experience completing assessments, ideally within fostering or kinship care.
* Confidence in analysing risk, attachment, and family dynamics.
* Effective communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with families and professionals.
* Passion for keeping children within their family networks wherever safe and possible.
* Registered with Social Work England and hold a recognised Social Work qualification (Degree/DipSW/CQSW).
We Offer
* Competitive salary range: £36,363 – £40,777 per annum.
* Market rate supplement: £5,000 per annum.
* Welcome payment: £10,000.
* Retention payment: £2,000 – £4,000, depending on team.
* Relocation support up to £10,000.
* Professional development: protected time and budget.
* Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
* Career progression pathways.
* Annual leave: 31 days pro rata plus bank holidays; additional 10 days purchasable.
* Flexible working options, including job‑sharing and part‑time hours.
* Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 support.
* Payment of professional membership fees (based on requirements).
* Access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits, including savings and discounts.
Why Choose Us
Herefordshire is a beautiful, historic county on the Welsh border, known for its rural charm and strong community spirit. Our priority is clear: to keep children safe and give them the best start in life. We invest in our people and our relational practice approach, with support from experienced managers, continuous professional development, and a genuine team ethos that values collaboration and care.
Commitments, Covenants and Statutory Obligations
* Those who indicate a disability, as part of our “Disability Confident” scheme.
* Those who are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist, supporting the Armed Forces Covenant.
* Those who are a Herefordshire care leaver, supporting young people leaving care.
Reasonable Adjustments
Our recruitment process runs in partnership with Hoople Resourcing. If you require any reasonable adjustments or alternative methods for the online application process, please contact the resourcing team by e‑mail: [email protected]
If you’re shortlisted and need adjustments for the interview, the Children & Young People Recruitment Team will be happy to support you.
How To Apply
* Upload an up‑to‑date CV and complete the application form, demonstrating experience, skills and abilities for the role.
* Reference the job description and person specification or role profile in your application.
* If shortlisted, the C&YP Recruitment Team will contact you via e‑mail to arrange your interview or assessment.
Note: The council is currently unable to offer overseas visa sponsorship for Social Worker roles in Children & Young People. Overseas candidates requiring sponsorship should not apply for these roles. For a full list of current vacancies, visit https://spiritofherefordshire.com/children-young-people/jobs/.
Video Invitation
To see what it’s really like to work with our passionate and dedicated Social Work teams, watch our short video https://youtu.be/FSjU-FV5uic.
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