Social Worker - Fostering Kinship Team

Job Title: Social Worker – Fostering & Kinship
Reports To: Team Manager
Location: Southend on Sea - Hybrid available, on-site 2 days a week minimum
Contract type: Permenant - 37 Hours per week
Salary: £39,152-£45,091 Per Annum

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Social Worker to join the Fostering team at Southend On Sea Council, delivering high-quality casework to children, young people, foster carers, and kinship carers. You will manage a caseload appropriate to your experience and provide robust assessments, support, and supervision to ensure safe, stable, and nurturing placements.
This role requires strong knowledge of fostering and kinship assessment processes and the ability to work to high professional and statutory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide a professional and cost-effective social work service within fostering and kinship care
• Assess, support, and supervise foster carers and kinship carers
• Undertake viability, kinship, and connected persons assessments
• Identify safeguarding concerns and take appropriate protective action
• Complete clear, evidence-based assessments, reports, and action plans
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case recordings and documentation
• Prepare and submit reports and care plans for panels and court proceedings
• Attend and present at fostering panels, reviews, and meetings
• Act as duty worker when required
• Work closely with partner agencies, carers, and families
• Use ICT systems to maintain records and performance data
• Keep the Team Manager informed of workload and risk issues
• Provide cover and undertake duties appropriate to the grade

Essential Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker (Degree/Diploma in Social Work or equivalent)
• Registered with the relevant Social Work regulatory body
• Minimum 2 years’ current fostering experience
• Demonstrable experience assessing foster carers and kinship/connected carers
• Strong knowledge of fostering regulations, standards, and assessment frameworks
• Experience of safeguarding and risk assessment
• High standard of report writing and case recording
• Effective case and time management skills
• Strong partnership and multi-agency working ability
• Minimum of 3 years perm experience within a local authority

Professional Responsibilities

• Participate in regular supervision and team meetings
• Engage in continuous professional development and training
• Follow Health & Safety and safeguarding procedures
• Promote equality, diversity, and anti-discriminatory practice
• Maintain confidentiality at all times
• Contribute positively to team culture and service improvement

Additional Information

• Enhanced DBS check required
• Flexible working may be required, including occasional evenings

If you are ready to take your next locum role and meet the requirements above, apply today! You can also send me your most recent CV to Nicola.mansfield@servicecare.org.uk or contact me directly to learn more on 01772 208964. We do offer a referral bonus of £250 and so if you know someone who would be perfect for this role, pass along my details and ask them to get in touch! (T's & C's apply)