Senior Practitioner – Kinship Fostering Team

Job Title: Senior Practitioner – Kinship Fostering Team
Rate: Up to £42 per hour
Location: Medway (Hybrid working – office-based days required)
Contract Type: Locum

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Practitioner to join Medway Council’s Kinship Fostering Team. This role focuses on assessing, supervising, and supporting family and friends (connected persons) who care for children within fostering arrangements. You will play a key part in ensuring placements are safe, stable, and in the best interests of children.

Key Responsibilities

  • Undertake connected persons assessments (Regulation 24/Regulation 17F) to determine suitability of kinship carers.

  • Supervise and support kinship foster carers to ensure high standards of care and safeguarding are maintained.

  • Contribute to permanence planning for children by working closely with social workers, legal teams, and partner agencies.

  • Provide professional advice, mentoring, and guidance to colleagues within the fostering service.

  • Prepare clear, analytical reports for panel and court as required.

  • Ensure compliance with fostering regulations, national minimum standards, and Medway’s policies and procedures.

Requirements

  • Qualified Social Worker with current SWE registration.

  • Significant post-qualifying experience in fostering, family placement, or children’s social care.

  • Strong assessment and report-writing skills, with experience of connected persons assessments preferred.

  • Ability to work effectively with carers, families, and multi-agency professionals.

  • Strong organisational and communication skills.

What’s on Offer

  • Up to £42 per hour (dependent on experience).

  • Hybrid working arrangements with office presence in Medway.

  • Opportunity to be part of a supportive fostering service focused on kinship care and permanency.

  • Professional development and a chance to make a lasting difference to children and families.

How to Apply
If you are an experienced Social Worker with fostering expertise looking for your next senior-level role, please email me your details at fthomas@sheldon-phillips.com or 01635 226350