Job Title: Fostering Social Worker
Hourly Pay Rate: £28.55
Contract Type: Temporary
Working Arrangements: Hybrid - Required to come in the office twice a month
About the Role
Shropshire Council is seeking an experienced and motivated Fostering Social Worker to join our Fostering Service.
This role focuses on the assessment of prospective foster carers, the ongoing support and development of approved carers, and contributing to the delivery of safe, high‑quality fostering placements for children and young people.
Key responsibilities:
* Completing initial home visits with prospective foster carers, supporting their understanding of the fostering role, responsibilities, and assessment journey.
* Undertaking robust, analytical fostering assessments informed by legislation, regulations, theory, policy, procedures, and good practice guidance.
* Identifying learning and development needs for prospective and approved carers and reflecting these within Personal Development Plans (PDPs).
* Making clear, evidence‑based recommendations to the Team Manager, Fostering Panel, and Agency Decision Maker in relation to foster carer approval and terms of approval.
* Supporting and contributing to Fostering Hub support group meetings with prospective foster carers.
* Providing regular supervision, professional guidance, and emotional support to approved foster carers.
* Empowering foster carers to meet the individual needs of children placed with them, promoting placement stability, resilience, and positive outcomes.
* Supporting carers to address any barriers to training, learning, and development within their fostering role.
* Undertaking regular visits to fostering households to monitor the quality of care, home environment, and children’s progress.
* Ensuring fostering households remain compliant with fostering regulations, National Minimum Standards, safeguarding requirements, and local authority expectations.
* Demonstrating a clear and up‑to‑date understanding of relevant legislation, statutory guidance, and professional standards.
* Working collaboratively with internal teams and external partners including adoption teams, Independent Fostering Agencies, education services, CAMHS, and health professionals.
Skills
* Qualified Social Worker and Social Work England Registered
* Three years post qualifying experience
* Driving Licence and use of own car
* Previous fostering experience
If you thrive to make a difference and have 3 years Social worker experience and this is the role for you, then we would love to hear from you.