Job Description
Join Our Team at Foster Care Associates (FCA)
Position: Supervising Social Worker - ASYE Applications Welcome
Salary: £31,151.65 per annum
Benefits: £2,000 Car Allowance, 30 days' Annual Leave (increasing to 35 days with length of service) + Bank Holidays, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme & Medical Cash Plan (all benefits pro rata)
Location: Hybrid - supporting foster carers across Plymouth and Cornwall
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding - 2026
Are you a newly qualified social worker eager to kickstart your career in fostering? Look no further! At Foster Care Associates, we’re excited to welcome you into our supportive and experienced team, where you can develop your professional skills and make a real difference.
We understand that starting your career can be both challenging and rewarding. That’s why we offer a structured induction program to help you get acquainted with our processes and best practices from day one. You’ll have the guidance of experienced colleagues who will mentor you throughout your journey, ensuring you have the resources and confidence to thrive in your role.
We value the fresh perspectives and enthusiasm that newly qualified social workers bring, and we encourage applications from those who are newly qualified or set to complete their qualification this year.
About Us
Founded in 1994 by a former foster parent and social worker, Foster Care Associates (FCA) is a leading fostering agency and part of the Polaris Community, one of the UK's largest networks of children's service providers. Our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of looked-after children.
From our humble beginnings in the Worcestershire countryside, we have grown significantly and built a strong reputation for excellence. Our purpose remains steadfast: to create lasting positive impacts for children, families, and communities, underpinned by values that help children and young people reach their full potential.
Today, we are proud to be one of the largest and most experienced independent fostering agencies in the country, maintaining a strong sense of community and commitment to supporting every child and foster parent.
About the Role
As a Supervising Social Worker in our South West team, you will play a crucial role in supporting and empowering foster carers and young people across Cornwall and Plymouth. Your responsibilities will include:
* Supporting foster carers and their families to achieve outstanding outcomes for all children and young people in foster care.
* Monitoring the suitability and competence of foster carers, ensuring a safe, healthy, nurturing, and learning environment.
* Ensuring carers understand the fostering task, competencies to be achieved, and the standards expected, including complaints and representation procedures.
* Providing regular supervision to allocated foster carers in line with FCA's Operational Standards.
* Working in partnership to identify and meet needs within foster families, contributing to relevant meetings and tasks.
* Ensuring compliance with all key documentation for each child and foster carer.
* Attending meetings and providing reports for commissioning teams regarding individual care packages.
* Promoting the participation of children and young people in the agency's development and access to local resources.
* Participating in an 'out of hours' support service on a rota basis.
* Occasionally conducting initial home visits and Form F Assessments.
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 nights away).
* Confidence in transporting children and young people in sometimes challenging situations.
* A full driving licence.
Foster Care Associates 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.
Join us in making a difference! We can’t wait to see how you’ll contribute to our mission.