Senior Social Worker

We have an exciting opportunity for two qualified social workers to join our Fostering Post-Approval team at Dorset Council.

Our Fostering Post-Approval team provides vital support and supervision to our approved foster carers. We're proud to have dedicated funding that helps us support our carers and the children in their care, and provides excellent training opportunities for our team.

We also manage the Duty system, working closely with the Placements Team to ensure children are placed with the most suitable foster carers.

Our service includes several specialist schemes, such as:

• Family Link carers for children with disabilities.
• Resilience carers for young people transitioning from residential care.
• Parent and Child carers for parents and their babies.
• Alongside our other mainstream carers who provide crucial support.

Notably, approximately a third of our carers are kinship connected carers, playing a vital role in our fostering community.

Do you have experience in any of these areas, or a strong knowledge of fostering, and are eager to expand your expertise? Are you able to demonstrate creativity and initiative in supporting our carers to look after Dorset's most vulnerable children and young people?

In this role, you'll be at the heart of providing practical and social work support for children and families within the fostering service. Your day-to-day activities will include:

This role will involve; supporting with one of our Mockingbird Constellations and supporting with our Supported Lodgings Service.

• Visiting children and their families to offer support and guidance.
• Carrying out interventions to address specific issues.
• Reviewing the work you've done to ensure its effectiveness.
• Engaging in direct work with children and families to build strong, supportive relationships.
• Performing any other tasks identified as necessary to support the well-being of children.

All your efforts will be grounded in best evidence and good practice, always prioritising the best interests of the children in Dorset.

You are a qualified social worker, Social Work England registered, with a passion for meeting the needs of children in foster care.

You thrive in a team environment, working closely with colleagues within the Fostering Service and our wider Children's Services to achieve positive outcomes for children and young people.

You will provide support and supervision to foster carers, ensuring adherence to the National Minimum Standards and Fostering Regulations.

You actively invest in the team's life, developing strong working relationships, respecting others' strengths, celebrating differences, and seeking solutions together.

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in Dorset? Join us and be part of a team dedicated to creating positive change!

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore subject to an enhanced DBS certificate. It is also a regulated activity and will be subject to a Barred List check.

At Dorset Council, children, young people, and families are at the heart of all we do - in every decision we make and every action we take. Our mission is driven by the unwavering commitment to achieving the best outcomes for them.

Our workforce is our most valuable asset and is pivotal to making the services and support we offer to children, young people, and families who need us to be the absolute best we can be.

We value our colleagues and empower them to be able to do the best job of their lives every single day, working in a culture of support and kindness where achievements are celebrated and creativity is very much welcomed.

At Dorset Council, equality, diversity, and inclusion are integral to us and in everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and thrive in our organisation. We are a Disability Confident employer and have a commitment to care leavers, who we guarantee an interview if they meet the essential criteria.

Join our dedicated team and be a part of an organisation where your work makes a real difference to the lives of children and families in Dorset.

Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.