Make an impact where it matters the most – Kinship Assessment Service.
About Us
Our Kinship Assessment Teams plays a key role in supporting Devon County as a corporate parent for children and young people who cannot live at home but are cared for within their extended family and friendship networks. Made up of three teams, a Viability Assessment Team, and two Kinship Assessment Teams undertaking Form K assessments and supporting temporarily approved foster carers across Exeter & East Devon, North & Mid Devon, and South & West Devon. All with the shared aim of securing the best possible outcomes for the children and young people we support.
We are proud to have a stable, permanent management team that offers consistent leadership, clear direction and a supportive environment where practitioners can thrive. Also, our service operates as a countywide team, offering genuine flexibility around your work base. Whether you are located in the north, south or east of Devon, we can agree a primary base that works for you. With hybrid working and the ability to travel across the county as needed, this role provides the freedom to balance professional responsibilities with a work location that suits your circumstances.
About the Role
As an Assessing Social Worker, you will lead on preparing assessments for both Court and Fostering Panels, ensuring high‑quality, evidence‑based work. You will also guide and support carers through the temporary approval process, providing regular supervision and professional advice. This is a demanding yet rewarding role within a dynamic service that places children and families at the heart of our practice. Working within regulatory frameworks, we are committed to delivering a high‑quality service through robust assessments that inform and support permanent, long‑term decisions for children.
About You
Advocating for the children and young people of Devon, you will work creatively and flexibly to promote positive long-term change, ensuring permanence from the outset. Your skills and experience will include:
1. Knowledge and understanding of the legislation, models, and theories relevant to children’s social work
2. The ability to build effective professional relationships with children, families, and other professionals
3. Experience working within social care, including working in a multi-agency and court environment, with knowledge of fostering regulations.
4. A social work qualification and registration with Social Work England
5. Satisfactory completion of your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE)
6. A high-level of written and verbal communication skills
What’s in it for you?
In return for the vital contribution that you make, we offer some fantastic employee benefits, including:
7. Generous annual leave, and the ability to purchase additional annual leave.
8. Ongoing learning and development opportunities through our Social Work Academy.
9. Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee well-being services.
10. We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible
11. Discounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers through our benefits platform
12. Free onsite parking.
13. Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
14. Cycle to work scheme
15. Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme