Silver Lining Fostering Agency, rated Outstanding by Ofsted, is seeking an enthusiastic and capable Social Work Assistant to support our Supervising Social Workers and wider professional team. This role offers an excellent foundation for individuals considering a future career in social work, providing exposure to high-quality practice within a well-regarded fostering service.
You will play a key part in supporting children looked after and foster carers, contributing to assessments, reviews and care planning, while working closely with internal teams and external professionals.
About you
You will be a motivated and proactive individual with the confidence to work with professionals and members of the public. You will demonstrate sound judgement, strong organisational skills and a clear understanding of safeguarding and fostering practice.
Why join Silver Lining Fostering
- Ofsted Outstanding service with a strong reputation for quality and support
- Exposure to high-standard social work practice and professional development
- Supportive leadership and reflective team culture
- An ideal opportunity for candidates looking to progress into social work
Interview date: TBC
SILVER LINING FOSTERING AGENCY
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Social Work Assistant
SALARY RANGE: £26,000 to £35,000 per annum
RESPONSIBLE TO: Team Manager
MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB:
The post holder will contribute to the delivery of an effective assessment, supervision and support service for prospective and approved foster carers as part of a team improving outcomes for children, young people and families.
The post holder will be responsible for providing social care services, including practical assistance, advice and support to prospective foster carers and approved foster families in accordance with agency guidance and procedures.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
To assist with the recruitment, preparation, assessment, supervision and support of foster carers to meet the needs of looked after children.
To assist with the co-ordination of information events, community events, support groups for foster carers, fostered children and birth children of foster carers.
To assist by sending out information packs to members of public who make enquiries about fostering.
To work jointly with social workers, other professionals, or as directed by the line manager to carry out specific tasks on cases to support placements and improve outcomes for fostered children.
To identify and assess levels of need and deliver protective, supportive or practical services for foster carers and fostered children.
To maintain an awareness of other local services for families and children and to signpost foster carers to other support agencies where appropriate.
To keep their supervisor informed of all risks and changes to the foster family, fostered children or network.
To bring to the attention of your line manager any concerns about the wellbeing and safety of the child/children in accordance with agency policy, safeguarding and legislation procedures.
To maintain accurate, up to date and relevant case recordings, data and any other records as specified in agency guidance and procedures.
To proactively participate in regular and prepared supervision sessions ready to give an account of the work undertaken.
To work co-operatively with colleagues and in partnership across agency boundaries, using advice and support from the supervisor as necessary.
To attend relevant meetings as required and represent the agency at inter-agency meetings.
Maintain information spreadsheets concerning the outcomes of foster children and update recording systems.
To fully participate in the agency quality assurance systems.
To attend Team Meetings and undertake training as required.
Keep abreast of relevant legislation and regulations and agency policies and procedures. Ask for information and advice if you are unsure of the correct course of action
The duties and responsibilities outlined in this job profile are indicative of the role, however they are not exhaustive and may be subject to change. In addition, you will be required to undertake other reasonable duties as directed by your manager.
Essential criteria
- Experience of working with children looked after and/or foster carers
- Working knowledge of fostering legislation and care planning for children looked after
- Good assessment, analytical and report-writing skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to build positive relationships with families, professionals and community partners
- Flexibility, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn within a fast-paced service
Desirable
- A relevant qualification in social care, youth work or a related field
- Experience within a fostering agency or local authority setting
- An interest in progressing into a social work qualification or career pathway
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £26,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Application question(s):
- Are you willing to be office based at least 3 days per week?
Experience:
- social care: 1 year (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Brentford TW8 9DW
