About the Role/Responsibilities:
We have an exciting opportunity for a qualified social worker to join our Fostering Post-Approval team at Dorset Council.
Our Fostering Post-Approval team provides vital support and supervision to our approved foster carers. We're proud to have dedicated funding that helps us support our carers and the children in their care, and provides excellent training opportunities for our team.
We also manage the Duty system, working closely with the Placements Team to ensure children are placed with the most suitable foster carers. Our service includes several specialist schemes, such as:
1. Family Link carers for children with disabilities.
2. Resilience carers for young people transitioning from residential care.
3. Parent and Child carers for parents and their babies.
4. Our mainstream carers who provide crucial support.
Approximately a third of our carers are kinship connected carers, playing a vital role in our fostering community.
Do you have experience in any of these areas, or a strong knowledge of fostering, and are eager to expand your expertise? Are you able to demonstrate creativity and initiative in supporting our carers to look after Dorset's most vulnerable children and young people?
What Will You Be Doing?
In this role, you'll be at the heart of providing practical and social work support for children and families within the fostering service. Your activities will include:
* Supporting with one of our Mockingbird Constellations and Supported Lodgings Service.
* Visiting children and their families to offer support and guidance.
* Carrying out interventions to address specific issues.
* Reviewing your work to ensure effectiveness.
* Engaging in direct work with children and families to build strong, supportive relationships.
* Performing other tasks as necessary to support children's well-being.
All efforts will be grounded in best evidence and good practice, always prioritising the best interests of the children in Dorset.
About You
You are a qualified social worker, registered with Social Work England, passionate about meeting the needs of children in foster care. You thrive in a team environment, working closely with colleagues within the Fostering Service and Children's Services to achieve positive outcomes.
You will support and supervise foster carers, ensuring compliance with standards and regulations. You actively invest in team life, developing strong relationships, respecting strengths, celebrating differences, and seeking solutions together.
Are you ready to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in Dorset? Join us and be part of a team dedicated to creating positive change!
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and is subject to an enhanced DBS check. It is also a regulated activity and will be subject to a Barred List check.
Required Skills and Qualifications
* Enhanced DBS clearance for Children and Adults (we can obtain this for you).
* Eligibility to work in the UK.
* SWE (HCPC) Registration.
* Degree in Social Work (or equivalent).
* At least 3 years post-qualified experience within an English Local Authority.
* Access to a car and willingness to travel.
Benefits
£500 welcome bonus (paid after 12 weeks), ample onsite parking, opportunities for role progression and training, and a competitive pay rate.
Please contact our recruitment team if you have questions or believe you meet the requirements. We also offer a £500 referral bonus for successful placements.
Contact: 01305 858247
Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP, a joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd.
Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities employment agency and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.
About Us: Connect2Dorset provides temporary, contract, and interim opportunities into Dorset Council, built on values of ethics, trustworthiness, and care. Half of our profits are returned to Dorset Council for frontline services investment.
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