Are you looking for a Supervising Social Worker role with a difference? Are you ready for low caseloads, great benefits, and plenty of opportunities? How about continual training and progression? We are looking for a candidate who is able to cover a maternity leave period from May/June 2023 to around September 2024 , within our North East Region, based at our Bishop Auckland office.  This is a maternity cover role.  

THE CHILDREN’S FAMILY TRUST (THE CFT)

Is a well-established Registered Charity and an Independent Fostering Agency providing a wide range of foster placements.  We firmly believe our Foster Carers are our most valuable resource deserving the highest levels of support and remuneration we can offer. We work in partnership with Local Authority Social Workers and are committed to keeping our children safe and secure in stable and loving families.

JOB PURPOSE

You know how much hard work and dedication it takes to make a difference to the lives of children and young people. With low caseloads, you’ll have the time and resources to truly support our Foster Carers.

You’ll promote the safe care and development of our foster children so that they can achieve their full potential. You’ll get involved in the recruitment, assessment, and training of prospective Foster Carers, as well as pursuing suitable placements.

You’ll help a diverse range of people - reflective of the communities we work in, and will play a key part in a friendly, supportive charity where you’ll be rewarded for your hard work and results.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The role will include undertaking specific tasks in relation to supporting foster carers and the children placed with them and includes:

• Recruit, assess, and monitor the continued suitability and competence of foster carers ensuring they provide a safe, healthy, nurturing and learning environment for children/young people.
•  Ensure that carers fully understand the fostering task, competencies to be achieved and the standards expected, including complaints and representation procedures as detailed in The CFT’s Fostering’s policies and procedures
•  Support Foster carers to evidence their competence against the Training Standards within specified timescales, assess evidence provided and sign off each standard where sufficient evidence has been provided
• Provide and record regular supervision to allocated foster carers in line with The CFT’s operational standards and undertake such additional support visits/telephone contact with foster carers as required taking into account all family members needs
•  Contribute to Foster Carer Annual Reviews, within required timescales, providing written evidence of competence. Presenting Annual Review Reports to Review Fostering Panel as required
•  Participate in negotiations between the agency and Local Authorities to ensure that each child or young person placed is carefully matched with a Foster Carer capable of meeting their needs
•  Complete paperwork and procedures in relation to significant Incidents and Notifiable Events within company timescales

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

What do you need to be successful?

• You’ll be degree qualified, registered and experienced in this field, with a full driving licence and up to date knowledge of all job relevant legislation - particularly Safeguarding and Foster Care
  
  
• IT Literate, ideally with a knowledge of the Charms database (although training can be provided), with accurate record keeping and admin skills
  
  
• You’ll be flexible, willing to learn, train and progress. You’ll promote our work and help to establish us as the local authority’s preferred and approved supplier

You will be able to demonstrate a professional approach and be able to deal with difficult, challenging and stressful situations on occasion.  You will need to be approachable whilst also having an understanding of the confidential aspect of the role. A full driving licence with business cover and fully comprehensive insurance is essential and you must be confident in transporting children and young people in sometimes stressful and difficult situations. You will be required to have an enhanced DBS, which The Children’s Family Trust will cover the payment of.

WHAT YOU GET IN RETURN

We are a progressive organisation who promote a friendly and supportive working environment, where you will be rewarded for your hard work and results. As well as a competitive annual salary we also offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Pension
• Private Health Care
• Employee Assistance Program
• Enhanced Maternity Pay
• Long Service Awards
• Free Parking
• Dental Cover
• Life Assurance
• Occupational Sick Pay
• Holidays (30 days pro-rata)
• Additional 3 days holidays after 5 years’ service and 5 days after 10 years’ service

SALARY

up to £38,041 per annum, plus car allowance (£4,800PA), out of Hours Payment (£1,200PA)  – The Children’s Family Trust are also trialling a 4 day working week whereby you will be paid for 5 days.

• Please view the Benefits Statement document (opens in a pop up)
• Please view the Job Description Supervising Social Worker document (opens in a pop up)