Social Worker (Fostering)

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC620874
Salary Range: £39,382 - £43,679 pro-rata, per annum (actual salary £19,691 - £21,839 per annum), plus Market Supplement of up to £3,000 pro-rata, per annum
Work Location: Totton Hub, Totton
Hours per week: 18.5
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 07 May 2025

The Role:

Hampshire Children’s Services is rated outstanding by Ofsted. Hampshire County Council’s fostering agency (branded Fostering Hampshire Children) is a local authority owned fostering agency recruiting and supporting foster carers for children who are unable to live with their own families, either until they can return home or, sometimes, until adulthood. There are currently approximately 506 fostering households registered with Hampshire County Council. Hampshire County Council’s vision is that Hampshire becomes an even better place for children and young people, where all, including those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged, have the best possible start in life and are supported by the whole community to succeed.

We are looking for someone to join the West Fostering Team to offer regular supervision to our fosters carers and support those who are caring for Hampshire’s children in care.  We are looking for a team player, someone who can work independently but also values being in a friendly and supportive team. As someone who has excellent communication, organisation, and networking skills, you will be part of an established team that strives to maintain the excellent reputation that Hampshire already has. You will be Line Managed by the Fostering Team Manager or Assistant Team Manager and join a Team of other Social Workers and Child and Family Support Workers. 

You will have an enthusiasm for continuous improvement and possess confidence in your supervision and problem-solving skills, which you will bring to the role. You will be a highly motivated and driven individual, with an understanding of professional social work issues and legal frameworks underpinning fostering and Children in Care. You will have excellent assessment and report writing skills. You will be instrumental in nurturing positive working relationships between foster carers, children’s social workers and other professionals. You will need excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with a diverse range of audiences. 

You will have the opportunity to gain extensive experience from this role, gaining skills and experience of fostering, children in care, staying put, Special Guardianships to name a few.

What We Can Offer You:

We will provide you with a range of benefits, including:   

• Annual leave starting from 25 days per annum and rising to 28 days based on experience and length of service. 
• Use of hybrid tablet device, so you can work more effectively and flexibly. 
• 5 personal development days per annum. 
• Ample progression opportunities. 
• Flexible working options to fit around today’s lifestyles. 

In addition to working for one of the top performing children’s social care authorities in the country, Hampshire is also one of the best places to live and work. Located on the south coast, with excellent transport links up and down the country, Hampshire offers the perfect blend of rural and city living. You’ll find miles of lovely coastline, nature reserves and heritage sites, which are just some of the benefits of living in Hampshire.

Additional Information:

Social Worker (Fostering) Job Description and Person Specification

Vetting Requirements:

This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Kat Roberts, Team Manager on catherine.roberts@hants.gov.uk