Role: Social Worker- Fostering Supported Lodgings

Location: Medway

Team: Childrens Teams

Pay: Up to £43,646

Contract: Permanent/ Full-time

About Us
Medway’s Children’s Services is dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people by providing high-quality care and support. We are looking for an experienced and motivated Social Worker to join our Fostering Supported Lodgings Team. In this role, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of young people by working closely with foster carers and supported lodging providers, ensuring that they receive the guidance and resources needed to offer stable and nurturing homes.

Role Overview
As a Social Worker in the Fostering Supported Lodgings Team, you will be responsible for supporting foster carers and those providing supported lodgings to young people in care. You will work closely with carers to assess, train, and support them, ensuring they are fully equipped to meet the needs of vulnerable children and young people. You will also ensure that placements are stable, safe, and that the emotional, physical, and developmental needs of the young people are met.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess, recruit, and support foster carers and supported lodgings providers, ensuring they meet statutory and local authority standards.
• Conduct regular supervision visits and provide ongoing support to carers, offering advice and guidance on how best to meet the needs of children and young people in their care.
• Develop and implement individual care plans that support the well-being and development of children and young people in fostering and supported lodging placements.
• Work collaboratively with children’s social workers, health professionals, education staff, and other agencies to provide a holistic and coordinated approach to care.
• Attend and contribute to placement reviews, case meetings, and multi-agency discussions to ensure the best outcomes for young people.
• Ensure all records are accurate, up-to-date, and comply with statutory requirements and Medway’s policies.
• Participate in ongoing training and development to enhance your knowledge of fostering regulations, support strategies, and best practice.

Requirements

• Degree in Social Work (or equivalent) and Social Work England registration.
• Previous experience in fostering, children’s social care, or similar roles supporting vulnerable children and young people.
• Strong understanding of fostering legislation, policies, and procedures, and the needs of looked-after children.
• Excellent communication, assessment, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage a caseload while providing high-quality support to carers and young people.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of up to £43,646.
• £3,000 market premia to enhance your overall earnings.
• £2,000 annual retention payment after 2 years’ service.
• Access to ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.
• Supportive working environment with regular supervision and peer support.
• Flexible working arrangements to promote a healthy work-life balance.