Supervising Social Worker - Durham in County Durham

Supervising Social Worker – Fostering

Location: Durham
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time or Part-time
Salary: Up to £46,800 per annum (pro rata, depending on experience)

Make a Difference. Support Foster Carers. Change Children's Lives.

Are you a passionate and experienced Social Worker looking for a rewarding role within a supportive, child-centred fostering service?

We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Supervising Social Worker to join a small, friendly and highly supportive fostering team based in Durham.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a not-for-profit fostering agency that places children at the heart of everything it does. We believe that the best outcomes for children come from investing in, supporting and valuing the foster carers who look after them.

We pride ourselves on strong relationships, manageable caseloads, reflective practice and a genuinely supportive team culture.

Why Join Us?

We understand the importance of creating an environment where social workers feel valued, supported and able to do their best work.

We offer:

Small, manageable caseloads, allowing you to provide meaningful support to foster carers and children.

Visible, approachable and supportive leadership.

A collaborative, friendly and values-driven team.

Regular reflective supervision and ongoing professional development.

Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.

A quiet and comfortable office environment.

No hot-desking – your own dedicated workspace.

Robust administrative support, allowing you to focus on social work practice.

About the Role

As a Supervising Social Worker, you will play a vital role in supporting foster carers and ensuring children and young people receive safe, stable and nurturing care.

You will build positive relationships with foster carers, children, families, local authorities and other professionals, providing high-quality supervision, guidance and support.

Working systemically and collaboratively, you will help ensure that children's needs, wishes, feelings and outcomes remain central to all decision-making.

You will also contribute to foster carer assessments, recruitment, training, placement matching and the ongoing development of the fostering service.

Key Responsibilities

Foster Carer Support and Supervision

Provide regular, structured supervision and ongoing support to foster carers.

Develop individualised support packages for foster carers and young people.

Ensure children's safety, welfare and outcomes remain central to practice.

Undertake unannounced visits in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Prepare reports and attend children's reviews, meetings and other professional forums.

Assessments and Reviews -

Complete Form F foster carer assessments and present assessments to fostering panel.

Contribute to foster carer reviews and ongoing assessments.

Participate in placement matching and prepare matching reports.

Monitor placement plans, care plans and children's health and educational outcomes.

Recruitment and Training -

Contribute to the recruitment and assessment of prospective foster carers.

Support the training and development of foster carers, their families and support networks.

Help foster carers develop their skills, confidence and knowledge.

Teamwork and Service Development -

Actively participate in team meetings and service development.

Promote open communication, collaboration and reflective practice.

Work effectively with colleagues and external professionals to achieve positive outcomes for children.

Support Line -

Participate in the 24-hour foster carer support line rota.

Recording and Compliance -

Maintain accurate and timely case records, assessments and reports.

Ensure practice complies with relevant legislation, Fostering Regulations and National Minimum Standards.

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

Passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people in care.

Caring, committed and genuinely child-centred.

Confident in building positive relationships with foster carers, children and professionals.

A supportive, encouraging and reflective practitioner.

Organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities.

A positive team player who brings integrity, commitment and a sense of humour to their work.

Essential Requirements

Qualified Social Worker (CQSW, CSS, DipSW or equivalent).

Current registration with Social Work England.

Minimum of two years' post-qualifying experience.

Experience of assessments, report writing and supporting carers or families.

Good working knowledge of the Children Act 1989, Fostering Regulations and National Minimum Standards.

Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle with appropriate business insurance.

Desirable Experience

Previous experience within fostering or family placement services.

Practice Educator qualification.

Experience delivering training or facilitating group work.

Experience contributing to placement matching and support planning.

What We Offer

Salary up to £46,800 per annum, negotiable depending on experience.

30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.

Mileage allowance.

Regular supervision and ongoing professional development.

Supportive and approachable management.

A positive, collaborative working environment.

Company pension.

Flexible benefits package.

Free on-site parking.

Sick pay.

Additional Information

This role requires some flexibility to participate in evening and weekend duties, including the 24-hour foster carer support line rota.

Flexible working arrangements are available, and both full-time and part-time applications are welcomed.

Interested?

If you are an experienced, compassionate Social Worker who wants to be part of a small, supportive fostering team where your work genuinely makes a difference, we would love to hear from you.