Placement and Youth Engagement Social Worker
Location: London
Salary: £36,000–£37,000 per annum, dependent on experience
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time
Make a Difference in the Lives of Children and Young People
Are you a passionate and dedicated Social Worker looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people?
We are seeking an enthusiastic, compassionate and motivated Placement and Youth Engagement Social Worker to join an independent fostering service.
This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified Social Worker who is committed to improving outcomes for children and young people living in foster care. You will play a key role in supporting placement stability, promoting emotional wellbeing and helping young people develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive.
Working closely with foster carers, social workers, local authorities and other professionals, you will provide direct support, guidance and positive interventions to children and young people.
Key Responsibilities -
Placement Support and Stability -
Provide direct support to children and young people living in foster care.
Undertake regular placement support visits and identify emerging needs.
Support placement stability through early intervention and appropriate support.
Build positive relationships with children, young people and foster families.
Work alongside Supervising Social Workers to address placement challenges.
Contribute to placement planning and review meetings.
Youth Engagement and Direct Work -
Deliver one-to-one support sessions and direct work with children and young people.
Organise activities, workshops and group engagement sessions.
Encourage participation in education, training and positive social activities.
Promote independence, confidence, resilience and practical life skills.
Ensure young people's wishes and feelings are heard and represented.
Support access to appropriate community services and resources.
Safeguarding and Partnership Working -
Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people.
Identify, record and report safeguarding concerns appropriately.
Work collaboratively with local authorities, schools and other professionals.
Attend meetings, reviews and professional discussions.
Maintain accurate, confidential and up-to-date case records.
Prepare reports and contribute to care planning where required.
Service Development -
Contribute to the development of placement support and youth engagement services.
Share ideas and good practice to improve outcomes.
Participate in supervision, team meetings and ongoing professional development.
Essential Requirements -
To be considered for this position, you must have:
A recognised Social Work qualification (BA/MA in Social Work or equivalent).
Current registration with Social Work England.
Experience working with children, young people and families within a social care setting.
A sound understanding of safeguarding, child protection and the needs of looked-after children.
Strong communication, assessment and report-writing skills.
The ability to build positive, trusting relationships with children and young people.
The ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
A flexible, proactive and child-centred approach.
A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.
The right to work in the UK.
Desirable Experience -
Previous experience within fostering, residential childcare, children in care or leaving-care services.
Experience supporting young people with complex or challenging needs.
Knowledge of trauma-informed and attachment-based practice.
Experience delivering direct work, group activities or youth engagement programmes.
Understanding of placement stability and the challenges faced by children in foster care.
The Ideal Candidate -
We are looking for someone who is:
Compassionate, approachable and committed to making a difference.
Confident and engaging when working with children and young people.
Resilient and able to manage challenging situations.
Organised, reliable and able to manage competing priorities.
Passionate about safeguarding and improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.
What We Offer -
Competitive salary of £36,000–£37,000, depending on experience.
Permanent, full-time employment.
A supportive and collaborative working environment.
Regular supervision and ongoing professional support.
Training and professional development opportunities.
The opportunity to make a genuine difference in children's lives.
Safeguarding and Recruitment -
This position is subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, verification of qualifications and confirmation of current Social Work England registration.
The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and professional practice.
How to Apply -
If you are a qualified Social Worker who is passionate about supporting children and young people, promoting placement stability and helping young people reach their full potential, we would love to hear from you
