Kirklees Council is seeking an experienced and motivated social worker to join our well-established Connected Persons Team within the Fostering Service. This is an exciting opportunity for skilled practitioners who are passionate about achieving the best outcomes for children by enabling them to remain within their family and support networks wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so.

We are looking to appoint either an experienced Level 3 Social Worker or Senior Practitioner who can bring expertise in working with children and families, safeguarding, fostering, and assessment work.

About the Role

The Fostering Service consists of three teams; Recruitment and Assessment, Supervision and Support Team and Connected Persons Assessment and Supervision. As part of our Connected Persons Team, you will undertake assessments of family members and friends who are being considered as carers for children who cannot live with their parents.

The role will include:

• Completing Connected Persons Assessments under Regulation 24 of the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review Regulations 2010.
• Undertaking comprehensive Connected Persons Fostering Assessments in line with fostering regulations and national minimum standards.
• Producing high-quality assessments and reports for fostering panels and court proceedings.
• Working closely with children's social workers, legal services, fostering panel members and wider professionals.
• Assessing carers' capacity to safeguard and meet the needs of children and young people.
• Ensuring all work is undertaken in accordance with fostering legislation, statutory guidance and Kirklees policies.
• Contributing to permanence planning and achieving positive outcomes for children.
• Managing a complex caseload whilst adhering to statutory and court-directed timescales.

About You

We are keen to hear from candidates who have:

• A recognised Social Work qualification and Social Work England registration.
• Significant experience working with children, young people and families.
• A robust understanding of safeguarding practice and child protection processes.
• Experience of completing complex assessments and producing analytical reports.
• Knowledge and understanding of Fostering Legislation, Regulations and Standards.
• Experience of court work and working within timescales.
• Excellent assessment, report writing and communication skills.
• The ability to build constructive relationships whilst maintaining professional curiosity and challenge.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing demands effectively.

For Senior Practitioner applicants, experience of supporting colleagues, providing practice guidance, mentoring or informal supervision will be advantageous.

What We Offer

• A supportive and experienced management team.
• A well-established and highly regarded Connected Persons Team.
• Regular supervision and professional development opportunities.
• A strong commitment to learning and continuous improvement.
• Flexible and agile working arrangements where service needs allow.
• Opportunities for career progression within Kirklees Children's Services.

Why Kirklees?

Our employees are at the very heart of the services we provide to the community, to help us achieve our ambitions, we want the best possible team. In return, we will make sure you are rewarded with a great range of staff benefits to support you in and out of work.  Children,

Sadie Mulkeen is the recruiting manager for this role, please contact them on 01484 221000 for an informal discussion, or if you need any more information.