Social Worker

Description:

Herefordshire Council is seeking a dedicated Social Worker – Kinship & Fostering to join their Kinship Team, supporting children to remain within their family networks. This role offers a permanent, full-time position focused on completing robust, child-centred kinship assessments and contributing to safe, nurturing arrangements for children.

The Kinship Team provides a supportive and collaborative environment for social workers to develop their skills, make a meaningful impact on families, and engage in professional development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct full kinship assessments for connected persons, including viability assessments and Special Guardianship reports.

• Engage sensitively with families to understand their strengths and challenges.

• Collaborate with colleagues across fostering and safeguarding teams.

• Present assessments to fostering panels.

• Contribute to the development of best practice in kinship care.

Key Requirements:

• Qualified Social Worker with experience in conducting assessments.

• Knowledge of fostering or kinship care preferred.

• Strong analytical skills for assessing risk, attachment, and family dynamics.

• Effective communication and relationship-building skills with families and professionals.

• Passionate about supporting children within safe family networks.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and market rate supplement.

• £10,000 welcome payment for experienced social workers.

• Relocation support up to £10,000.

• 31 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and option to buy additional leave.

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) enrollment.

• Professional development opportunities, including training specific to kinship care.

• Flexible working arrangements (flexi-time, job-share, part-time, and some home working).

• Employee Assistance Programme and payment of professional membership fees.

• Access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday, and health benefits.

About Herefordshire:
Herefordshire is a historic and rural county with a strong focus on child safety and family support. The council is committed to safeguarding, professional development, and a culture that values relationships, inclusivity, and improving outcomes for children and young people.