FOSTER CARE ASSOCIATES (THE FCA)
Join Our Team as a Senior/Supervising Social Worker!
Role: Senior/Supervising Social Worker - Full Time - Permanent
Basic Salary: Up to £34,324.62 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
* Life Assurance
* Employee Discount Scheme
* Company Pension & Medical Cash Plan
Location: Home-based, with occasional travel to Bromsgrove and surrounding areas in Worcestershire, supporting our Foster Parents across Birmingham, Dudley, Walsall, and Sandwell.
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 simple yet profound: to make a positive and lasting difference for children, families, and communities.
From our humble beginnings in the Worcestershire countryside, we've grown into one of the country's most experienced independent fostering agencies. But despite our size, we pride ourselves on being a close-knit family, dedicated to supporting every child and foster parent every minute of the day.
Your Role and Responsibilities
As a Senior/Supervising Social Worker, you will:
* Support foster parents and their families to achieve outstanding outcomes for all children and young people in foster care.
* Monitor the suitability and competence of foster parents, ensuring a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment.
* Ensure foster carers understand their roles, competencies, and the standards expected of them.
* Provide regular supervision to allocated foster parents in line with FCA's Operational Standards.
* Collaborate with the child's network to identify needs such as respite, activities, and therapy.
* Ensure compliance with all key documentation for each child and foster parent.
* Attend meetings and provide reports for Commissioning Teams regarding individual care packages.
* Encourage participation of children and young people in agency development and community resources.
* Participate in an 'out of hours' support service on a rota basis.
* Conduct occasional initial home visits and Form F Assessments.
What You Need to Succeed
To thrive in this role, you must 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 fostering not just children, but also our team members. We offer a supportive environment where you can grow and make a real impact. If you're ready to take on this rewarding challenge, we encourage you to apply!
Note: The FCA is an equal opportunities employer and has been awarded the Disability Confident Employer status by Jobcentre Plus. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.