Job Title: Social Worker – Fostering & Kinship
Reports To: Team Manager
Location: Southend on Sea - Hybrid available, on-site 2 days a week minimum
Contract type: Permenant - 37 Hours per week
Salary: £39,152-£45,091 Per Annum
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Social Worker to join the Fostering team at Southend On Sea Council, delivering high-quality casework to children, young people, foster carers, and kinship carers. You will manage a caseload appropriate to your experience and provide robust assessments, support, and supervision to ensure safe, stable, and nurturing placements.
This role requires strong knowledge of fostering and kinship assessment processes and the ability to work to high professional and statutory standards.
Key Responsibilities
Provide a professional and cost-effective social work service within fostering and kinship care
Assess, support, and supervise foster carers and kinship carers
Undertake viability, kinship, and connected persons assessments
Identify safeguarding concerns and take appropriate protective action
Complete clear, evidence-based assessments, reports, and action plans
Maintain accurate and up-to-date case recordings and documentation
Prepare and submit reports and care plans for panels and court proceedings
Attend and present at fostering panels, reviews, and meetings
Act as duty worker when required
Work closely with partner agencies, carers, and families
Use ICT systems to maintain records and performance data
Keep the Team Manager informed of workload and risk issues
Provide cover and undertake duties appropriate to the gradeEssential Requirements
Qualified Social Worker (Degree/Diploma in Social Work or equivalent)
Registered with the relevant Social Work regulatory body
Minimum 2 years’ current fostering experience
Demonstrable experience assessing foster carers and kinship/connected carers
Strong knowledge of fostering regulations, standards, and assessment frameworks
Experience of safeguarding and risk assessment
High standard of report writing and case recording
Effective case and time management skills
Strong partnership and multi-agency working ability
Minimum of 3 years perm experience within a local authorityProfessional Responsibilities
Participate in regular supervision and team meetings
Engage in continuous professional development and training
Follow Health & Safety and safeguarding procedures
Promote equality, diversity, and anti-discriminatory practice
Maintain confidentiality at all times
Contribute positively to team culture and service improvementAdditional Information
Enhanced DBS check required
Flexible working may be required, including occasional evenings
If you are ready to take your next locum role and meet the requirements above, apply today! You can also send me your most recent CV to (url removed) or contact me directly to learn more on (phone number removed). We do offer a referral bonus of £250 and so if you know someone who would be perfect for this role, pass along my details and ask them to get in touch! (T's & C's apply)