Job Summary
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Part-Time Supervising Social Worker (SSW) to oversee and support our social work team. The successful candidate will play a key role in managing programmes, supervising staff, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality social services. This position offers an excellent opportunity for a professional with strong relationship management skills and a background in programme and team management to contribute meaningfully within a supportive organisation.
HOURS: FLEXIBLE
Political Restriction: This position is not politically restricted
Responsible to: Registered Manager
Key Relationships: Children in placement, Foster Carers, Local Authorities, and PACFS staff
Role Purpose
· To provide high-quality supervision, support and professional guidance to foster carers, ensuring that children and young people receive safe, stable, and nurturing care that enables them to achieve their full potential.
· To contribute to the recruitment, assessment, training and retention of foster carers, and to support the development of the fostering service.
· To practice in accordance with fostering legislation, National Minimum Standards, and PACFS policies and procedures.
Key Responsibilities
Foster Carer Recruitment, Assessment & Training
- To actively support the recruitment of foster carers through networking, promotion, and participation in information events.
- To undertake high-quality Form F assessments within required timescales.
- To contribute to pre-approval training and preparation of prospective carers.
- To support the ongoing development of foster carers through training, guidance and reflective practice.
- To promote attendance at training, support groups, and agency events.
- To contribute to the development of individual training and development plans.
Supervision & Support of Foster Carers
- To provide regular supervision to foster carers in line with agency policy:
- Monthly visits for carers with children in placement
- Quarterly visits for carers without placements
- To provide additional support visits where required.
- To ensure carers maintain appropriate records and meet regulatory expectations.
- To support carers in managing placements and responding to challenges.
- To contribute to foster carer annual reviews and performance monitoring.
- To identify concerns regarding carer performance and escalate appropriately.
Safeguarding & Child-Focused Practice
- To ensure all children are safeguarded and their welfare is promoted at all times.
- To ensure children’s voices are heard and they are supported to participate in their care.
- To ensure children understand their rights and have access to relevant information (e.g. Children’s Guide).
- To respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns and follow statutory procedures.
- To support children’s emotional, behavioural, educational, and developmental needs.
Placement Matching & Stability
- To contribute to the matching process, ensuring placements meet the needs of children and the approval terms of carers.
- To support placement stability and minimise disruption.
- To ensure all relevant documentation is received from Local Authorities prior to placement.
- To support carers during the placement process and transitions.
Working with Local Authorities & Professionals
- To develop and maintain positive working relationships with Local Authority social workers and other professionals.
- To represent PACFS at meetings, including LAC reviews and planning meetings.
- To promote the agency and contribute to maintaining a positive reputation.
- To support placement referrals and contribute to securing placements.
Fostering Panel
- To prepare and present Form F assessments, annual reviews and other reports to panel.
- To support foster carers attending panel.
Recording, Reporting & Quality Assurance
- To maintain accurate, timely and high-quality records.
- To complete reports and documentation to required standards and deadlines.
- To contribute to audits and quality assurance processes.
- To support the agency in meeting Ofsted requirements and inspections.
Team & Service Contribution
- To work collaboratively with colleagues and external professionals.
- To contribute to the ongoing development of the service.
- To share knowledge, feedback and ideas to improve practice.
- To participate in supervision, training and professional development.
Out of Hours & Flexibility
- To participate in the out-of-hours rota.
- To work flexibly to meet the needs of the service.
Skills, Aptitudes and Personal Attributes
Essential
- Ability to prioritise and manage workload effectively
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to influence and support the practice of others
- Ability to build and maintain professional relationships
- Good negotiation and problem-solving skills
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equality
- Ability to use initiative and think creatively
- Emotional resilience and adaptability
Experience & Qualifications
Essential
- Qualified Social Worker (DipSW, CQSW or equivalent)
- Registered with Social Work England
- Experience of working with children and families
- Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures
- Understanding of fostering regulations and standards
- Experience of managing caseloads and meeting deadlines
- IT literacy (Word, email, case recording systems)
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable
- Experience of working within fostering services
- Experience of undertaking Form F assessments
- Experience of supervising or supporting foster carers
- Experience within an Independent Fostering Agency
- Experience of Parent & Child placements
Health & Safety
- To take responsibility for personal health, safety and wellbeing.
- To comply with all PACFS health and safety policies and procedures.
Additional Expectations
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
- Compliance with PACFS policies and procedures
- Commitment to equality and diversity
- Participation in continuous professional development
- Enhanced DBS clearance required
Benefits Package
- Salary up to £35,000 pro rata dependent on experience
- 32 days annual leave including public holidays
- Business mileage reimbursed at 30ppm
- Flexible working arrangements
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
Pay: From £35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in London
