Social Worker – Fostering Kinship

Social Worker – Fostering Kinship Team

Herefordshire Council
Salary: £41,363 - £45,777 per annum
Plus: £10,000 Welcome Payment & £4,000 Retention Payment
Contract: Permanent | Full-time | Hybrid working available

Herefordshire Council is continuing its ambitious transformation journey, strengthening services for children, young people, and their carers. The fostering service has seen significant investment and improvement, and now offers a stable, well-supported environment for social workers to thrive and develop.

About the Role

As a Social Worker in the Fostering Kinship Team, you’ll play a key role in assessing, supervising, and supporting foster carers and connected persons. You’ll ensure that placements are safe, nurturing, and fully aligned with each child’s care plan.

You’ll carry out fostering assessments (including Form F and SGO assessments), complete annual reviews, and offer consistent support through supervision visits. This role suits someone with a strong understanding of permanency planning and a passion for achieving the best outcomes for children in care.

Key Responsibilities

  • Undertake fostering and kinship assessments and reviews, including Form F and SGO assessments.
  • Provide ongoing supervision, advice, and support to foster carers and connected persons.
  • Promote stability and quality of placements, ensuring the child’s voice remains central.
  • Prepare clear and comprehensive reports for fostering panel and court proceedings.
  • Work collaboratively with children’s social workers, health, and education professionals.
  • Maintain accurate and timely case recording using the MOSAIC system.

Practice Model

Herefordshire’s Family Safeguarding Model underpins the approach across all services, focusing on restorative and relationship-based practice. Within the fostering service, this means valuing strong, trusting relationships with carers and recognising them as key partners in achieving positive outcomes.

The Council promotes a reflective culture supported by Motivational Interviewing and Restorative Practice, ensuring every professional is equipped to support families and carers in a consistent, strengths-based way.

Requirements

  • Social Work degree or equivalent qualification.
  • Social Work England registration.
  • Experience within fostering, permanency, or looked-after children’s services.
  • Knowledge of fostering regulations, assessments, and statutory guidance.
  • Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
  • Pool cars available for work travel.
  • Sponsorship available for candidates with 2+ years UK experience.

Benefits

  • £10,000 Welcome Payment & £4,000 Retention Payment.
  • Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
  • Protected professional development time and training budget.
  • Clear progression pathways to Senior Social Worker level.
  • Flexible working: flexi-time, job share, part-time hours, and hybrid options.
  • 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Payment of Social Work England registration fees.
  • “Pick Your Perks” benefits portal offering discounts on retail, health, leisure and travel.
  • 31 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days.

Interested?

Contact Josh Da Costa at Sheldon Phillips on 01635 226350 or 07513 834554, or email jdacosta@sheldon-phillips.com to discuss this role in more detail.

Referral Bonus: Know someone perfect for the role? We offer up to £500 for successful referrals.