Join Our Team at Foster Care Associates (FCA)
Position: Senior / Supervising Social Worker
Salary: Up to £39,142.63 per annum, based on experience
Benefits:
* Company Car or £2,000 Car Allowance
* 30 days' Annual Leave, increasing to 35 days with length of service + Bank Holidays (pro rata)
* Life Assurance
* Company Pension
* On-site Free Parking
* Employee Discount Scheme
* Medical Cash Plan
Location: Durham
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
About Us
Founded in 1994 by a former foster parent and social worker, Foster Care Associates (FCA) is a leading fostering agency dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of looked-after children. Our journey began in the beautiful Worcestershire countryside, where our Head Office still resides.
With a strong reputation for excellence, FCA offers a diverse range of services to children and families. Our mission is clear: to create lasting, positive changes for children, families, and communities, all while nurturing the values that empower young people to reach their full potential.
As one of the UK's largest independent fostering agencies, we pride ourselves on maintaining a close-knit community, ensuring every child and foster parent receives the support they deserve.
Your Role: Key Responsibilities
* Support foster carers and their families to achieve outstanding outcomes for all children and young people in foster care.
* Monitor the suitability and competence of foster carers, ensuring a safe, nurturing environment.
* Educate carers on the fostering task, competencies, and standards expected, including FCA policies and procedures.
* Provide regular supervision to allocated foster carers in line with FCA's Operational Standards.
* Collaborate with foster families to identify needs such as respite, activities, therapy, and holidays.
* Ensure compliance with all key documentation for each child and foster carer.
* Attend meetings and provide reports for commissioning teams regarding individual care packages.
* Encourage participation of children and young people in agency development and local opportunities.
* Participate in an 'out of hours' support service on a rota basis.
* Conduct occasional initial home visits and Form F Assessments.
What We’re Looking For: Requirements
* A Social Work qualification.
* Professional registration with Social Work England or equivalent.
* Proven ability to produce high-quality reports.
* Comprehensive knowledge of relevant legislation and child safeguarding procedures.
* Willingness and ability to travel extensively, including occasional overnight stays.
* Confidence in transporting children and young people in challenging situations.
* Full driving licence.
Why Join Us?
At FCA, we believe in fostering not just children, but also our team members. We offer a supportive environment where you can grow and make a real difference. If you’re passionate about helping children and families thrive, we want to hear from you!
The successful applicant will undergo an enhanced DBS check.
Foster Care Associates is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and has been recognized as a disability confident employer by Jobcentre Plus.