Join Our Team at Foster Care Associates (FCA)
Position: Senior / Supervising Social Worker
Salary: Up to £39,142.63 per annum, depending on experience
Benefits:
* Company Car or £2,000 Car Allowance
* 30 days' Annual Leave, increasing to 35 days with length of service + Bank Holidays (pro rata)
* Life Assurance
* Company Pension
* On-site Free Parking
* Employee Discount Scheme
* Medical Cash Plan
Location: Durham
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
About Us
Founded in 1994 by a former foster parent and social worker, Foster Care Associates (FCA) is a leading fostering agency that is part of the Polaris Community, one of the UK's largest networks of children's service providers.
Our mission is clear: to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of looked-after children. From our humble beginnings in the Worcestershire countryside, we have grown into one of the country's most respected independent fostering agencies, while maintaining a strong sense of community.
At FCA, we are dedicated to supporting every child and foster parent, ensuring that our values empower young people to reach their full potential.
Your Role
As a Senior / Supervising Social Worker, you will:
* Support foster carers and their families to achieve outstanding outcomes for children and young people in foster care.
* Monitor the suitability and competence of foster carers, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment.
* Guide carers in understanding their responsibilities and the standards expected of them.
* Provide regular supervision to foster carers in line with FCA's Operational Standards.
* Collaborate with foster families to identify needs and contribute to relevant meetings.
* Ensure compliance with all key documentation for children and foster carers.
* Attend meetings and provide reports for commissioning teams regarding individual care packages.
* Encourage participation of children and young people in agency development and local opportunities.
* Participate in an 'out of hours' support service on a rota basis.
* Conduct occasional initial home visits and Form F Assessments.
What You Bring
To thrive in this role, you should have:
* A Social Work qualification.
* Professional registration with Social Work England or equivalent.
* Proven ability to produce high-quality reports.
* A comprehensive understanding of relevant legislation and child safeguarding procedures.
* The willingness and ability to travel extensively, including occasional overnight stays.
* Confidence in transporting children and young people in challenging situations.
* A full driving licence.
Why Join Us?
At FCA, we believe in creating a supportive and empowering environment for our team. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and have been recognized as a Disability Confident Employer by Jobcentre Plus.
The successful applicant will undergo an enhanced DBS check. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families, we encourage you to apply!