Supervising Social Worker, Mid Essex Fostering Team

Supervising Social Worker, Mid Essex Fostering Team Fixed Term/ Secondment up to 2 years, Full Time £38,487 to £51,834 Per Annum Location: Chelmsford Working Style: Anywhere worker Closing Date: 21st September 2026 Please note this vacancy is available as a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity for up to 2 years. Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.

Here in Essex, we continue to raise the bar about practice and our investment in our workforce is second to none. It's an exciting time to join us having received our 2nd Outstanding Ofsted rating in a row. This vacancy can accommodate a newly qualified social worker. The role of Supervising Social Worker within Fostering As a supervising social worker in a busy fostering team, the role will require the support, monitoring and development of local authority foster carers in accordance with the 2011 National Minimum Standards for Fostering and Fostering Service regulations to safeguard the wellbeing of Children in Care.

There is an expectation that the post holder will co-lead some training events for foster carers and undertake updated assessments of carers when change of circumstances occur. Good report writing is required. Some other duties also include: Supporting foster carers through regular home visits and telephone contact, including at least one unannounced visit every year. Monitor and review the care provided by foster carers to children placed in their care, ensuring that they provide a safe, healthy and nurturing environment for children and young people in their care and in accordance with the requirements of Fostering National Minimum Standards.

Ensure that foster carer's annual household reviews are completed within timescales and follow Fostering Panel processes, as required. Support foster carers through complaints procedures and child protection procedures, as required. Participate in the matching process when children and young people are placed with foster carers, to ensure the best possible match and to identify any gaps in a match and offer support accordingly.

Ensure that foster carers receive all appropriate documentation regarding each child or young person placed and to ensure that foster carers keep good records and file all confidential documents securely. Ensure that foster carers are receiving the statutory support from the child/ young person's social worker and other professionals involved and to address this appropriately, if it is not the case.

Work with foster carers to encourage and support contact for children and young people in accordance with their care plans. Assists the foster carer in ensuring that children and young people are heard in reviews, planning and in pursuing any complaints. Required to work flexibly as required, including evenings and weekends if necessary. To read more about our business area, please visit: Children & Families Please take a look at our 'No Magic' Children & Families video The Experience You Will Bring Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.

A recognised social work qualification i.e. Diploma, degree or master's in social work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent, with current registration with Social Work England as a registered social worker. Evidence of continuing professional development aligned to any relevant Professional Competency/Capability frameworks or Knowledge and Skills Statements. Significant experience of social work, demonstrating a comprehensive and up to date understanding of all relevant legislation, regulation and guidance, specially related to Homelessness.

Experience of chairing meetings involving clients, family members and/or carers and other multi-agency professionals. Developing strong relationships with partners, other agencies and the local community to achieve joint objectives and offer a supportive framework