Job Purpose
This is an exciting and innovative hybrid role within a stable, supportive and restorative fostering service, combining the statutory and professional responsibilities of a Supervising Social Worker with the relational, community-focused role of a Mockingbird Link Worker. The post holder will play a key role in supporting foster carers, connected carers and children to thrive by strengthening relationships, promoting shared caring and ensuring high-quality, safe and nurturing placements.
As a Supervising Social Worker, you will provide consistent supervision, oversight and support to carers, ensuring statutory requirements are met and that children and young people’s safety, welfare and developmental needs remain central to all practice. As a Mockingbird Link Worker, you will support the development and sustainability of Mockingbird constellations, fostering a sense of belonging, mutual support and connection between carers and children.
You will work directly with carers, children and young people, hub home carers, satellite carers, and partner professionals to promote high-quality, trauma-informed and restorative care. Through relationship-based practice, reflective supervision and collaborative working, you will help carers feel confident, supported and valued, reducing isolation and strengthening placement stability.
This role requires an experienced and thoughtful social worker who is able to balance professional oversight with warmth, curiosity and creativity. You will contribute to a culture that prioritises learning, reflection and shared responsibility, recognising the emotional demands of fostering and the importance of strong networks around families. As part of a committed and restorative team, you will actively promote a service where foster carers and children experience consistency, meaningful support and a strong sense of community and belonging.
Key Responsibilities
Supervising Social Worker – Fostering
* Provide high-quality supervision, support and guidance to approved carers, ensuring children and young people receive safe, nurturing and stable care.
* Undertake statutory visits, fostering assessments and reviews in line with legislation, regulations and national minimum standards.
* Support foster carers to meet the needs of children with complex histories, using trauma-informed, therapeutic and restorative approaches.
* Contribute to placement stability through proactive support, problem solving and partnership working.
* Prepare high-quality reports for fostering panels, reviews, care planning meetings and court as required.
* Work collaboratively with children’s social workers, education, health and other professionals to promote positive outcomes for children.
* Support carers’ learning and development, including attendance at training and reflective practice opportunities.
Mockingbird Link Worker
* Act as the key link worker for one or more Mockingbird constellations, supporting the development, stability and sustainability of the model.
* Build strong, trusting relationships with hub home carers, satellite carers, children and young people within the constellation.
* Promote the Mockingbird ethos of shared caring, peer support and community, ensuring carers feel confident, connected and valued.
* Facilitate constellation meetings, reflective discussions and shared learning opportunities.
* Support carers to access timely practical and emotional support, reducing isolation and placement breakdown.
* Encourage the voice of children and young people and ensure their experiences inform constellation development.
* Work flexibly and creatively to respond to the evolving needs of the constellation, including out-of-hours support where appropriate.
Restorative & Values-Based Practice
* Embed restorative principles in all areas of practice, including communication, conflict resolution and team working.
* Promote a culture of curiosity, reflection and learning rather than blame.
* Model respectful, compassionate and strengths-based practice with carers, colleagues and partners.
* Contribute positively to a supportive team environment, recognising the emotional demands of fostering work.
Essential
* Social Work qualification (Degree/Diploma in Social Work or equivalent).
* Registration with Social Work England.
* A minimum of 3 years post-qualification experience as a social worker, with demonstrable experience working with children and families.
* Strong understanding of safeguarding, child development and trauma-informed practice.
* Ability to build authentic, trusting relationships with foster carers, children and professionals.
* Excellent communication, organisation and report writing skills.
* Commitment to restorative, relational and strengths-based practice.
Desirable
* Experience working as a Supervising Social Worker and/or within a fostering service.
* Knowledge or experience of the Mockingbird model or similar community-based or peer support approaches.
* Experience of group facilitation or supporting networks of carers.
* Confidence working flexibly and autonomously within a hybrid role.
What We Offer
* An exciting and innovative hybrid role combining statutory practice with relational, community-focused work.
* A stable, supportive and restorative team culture where staff wellbeing is prioritised.
* High-quality supervision, reflective practice and ongoing professional development opportunities.
* The opportunity to be part of a service that genuinely values carers, children and young people.
* Flexible hybrid working arrangements to support work–life balance.
About You
You will be a qualified Social Worker (Social Work England registered) with experience of working within fostering or children’s services. You will bring strong communication skills, sound professional judgement and a commitment to relationship-based practice.
Disclosure & Barring Service Check requirement for this post is: Enhanced Check + DBS Children’s Barred List & DBS Adult’s Barred List.
Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with an existing right to work in the UK.
#J-18808-Ljbffr