Fostering Social Worker
Location: Chelmunds Place, Solihull
Team: Fostering Recruitment and Assessment Team
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Working Arrangement: Hybrid – minimum of two days per week in the office, including team meetings
Parking: Available on site
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Fostering Social Worker to join the Fostering Recruitment and Assessment Team in Solihull.
The successful candidate will play a key role in the recruitment, assessment and support of foster carers, helping to ensure that children and young people who cannot live with their birth families are placed in safe, stable and nurturing homes.
You will undertake comprehensive foster carer assessments, including Form F assessments, and work collaboratively with colleagues, prospective foster carers and partner agencies to ensure high standards of safeguarding and care.
This is an excellent opportunity for a social worker with fostering experience who is passionate about improving outcomes for children and supporting foster families.
Key Responsibilities
Undertake comprehensive Form F assessments of prospective foster carers.
Assess applicants' suitability to foster, considering their background, circumstances, skills, motivation and capacity to meet children's needs.
Conduct interviews, home visits and statutory checks as part of the fostering assessment process.
Prepare detailed assessment reports and recommendations for fostering panel consideration.
Support the recruitment and assessment of prospective foster carers throughout the assessment process.
Ensure all assessments and records comply with relevant legislation, regulations, policies and procedures.
Work collaboratively with fostering colleagues, children's social workers and other professionals to promote positive outcomes for children.
Identify and address safeguarding concerns, ensuring children's welfare remains the priority.
Maintain accurate, up-to-date case records and assessment documentation.
Contribute to team meetings, service development and continuous improvement.
Provide advice and guidance to prospective foster carers throughout the recruitment and assessment journey.
Essential Skills and Experience
Qualified Social Worker with relevant professional registration.
Previous experience working within a fostering service.
Demonstrable experience completing Form F fostering assessments.
Knowledge of fostering legislation, regulations and assessment procedures.
Understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
Strong assessment, analytical and report-writing skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to manage a caseload, prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
A commitment to promoting the welfare, safety and best interests of children and young people.
Working Arrangements
The role operates on a hybrid basis, with the successful candidate required to attend the office at Chelmunds Place, Solihull, at least two days per week and for team meetings. The remaining working days may be completed from home, subject to service requirements.
Working hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, totalling 37 hours per week. On-site parking is available
