Social Worker - Kinship Assessment

We are seeking a passionate and committed Fostering Social Worker to join Dorset Council’s fostering service.

You will receive regular supervision, access to high-quality training, and ongoing professional development opportunities. This includes support from advanced practitioners, induction programmes, and Dorset’s Social Work Academy. Our service is committed to a therapeutic approach and is implementing the Mockingbird Family Model.

By joining us, you will play a key role in ensuring that children cared for by Dorset Council remain close to their families and communities and receive excellent care from well-supported Kinship Foster Carers and Special Guardians.

As a Kinship Assessment Team Social Worker, you will:

• Undertake kinship assessments focussing on Fostering, Special Guardianship.  Assessments will be carried out in conjunction with children, families, carers and other professionals and in a timely manner in accordance with Council’s policies and procedures. 
• Where arrangements include children/young people living under Reg 24 arrangements the assessing worker will also fulfil the role of the Kinship support social worker.
• To prepare and present reports to court, you may be required to attend to give evidence in legal proceedings as required. 
• To prepare and present reports to fostering panel, supporting Carers through the process.
• Take part in presenting mandatory training required during the assessment
• Work flexibly, including hybrid work (working from home and in the office).
• We are looking for a dedicated and dependable professional who:
• Is a qualified social worker, registered with Social Work England (minimum three years post-qualification experience desirable).
• Holds a clear enhanced DBS check.
• Has a full, clean driving licence and the ability to travel across Dorset and wider when necessary.
• Demonstrates strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and produce detailed written reports.
• Has experience working with foster carers in a statutory social care setting and a sound understanding of child care legislation and safeguarding practice.
• Can create an environment where social work practice can flourish and where carers feel supported and valued.

For additional information, for Kinship Support please contact: [email protected]

This is a full time role at 37 hours per week.

This post requires significant travel. You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed.

This post involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them. It will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. See our policy on the employment of ex-offenders.

See our policy on safeguarding children and young people.

See our adult safeguarding policy.

The friends and family referral scheme applies to this post. If an employee recommended this post to you, mention them when asked on your application form.

Employees can share this advert by using the button links alongside the job title.

The key skills recruitment and retention scheme applied to these positions, subject to eligibility. The amount payable will be £2000 (pro-rata for part time positions) after 24 months of employment.

You must:

• have a degree in social work or equivalent
• be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• be able to fulfil the travel requirements of the post

See the children’s social worker framework.

At Dorset Council, it's not just about the work we do, it's about how we do it. Hear directly from our employees about what makes Dorset Council special in this short video:

At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We:

• provide essential services that support over 300,000 residents
• work in partnership to make a real difference
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities
• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive

You will:

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
• have access to a range of benefits and support
• receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible, if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us.

Find out more about how to apply.