Senior Social Worker (Fostering Manager)

Full-time | Home-based with regional travel | 35 hours/week

Salary: £44,756 per year (rising to £49,729 after 18 months)

Join a values-led charity that puts children at the heart of everything.

We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Fostering Recruitment Manager to lead on the recruitment and assessment of foster carers in [region]. You’ll play a crucial role in growing and supporting foster families who can offer safe, loving homes to vulnerable children.

This is your chance to make a lasting difference—working for a charity built on the values of being:

Child & People Centred | Connected & Inclusive | Charitable & Fair | Caring & Compassionate

About the Role:

As a Fostering Manager, you’ll manage the end-to-end recruitment journey—from initial enquiry to assessment and approval. Working closely with your local team and national colleagues, you’ll lead recruitment strategy, deliver training, support applicants, and ensure assessments meet the highest standards.

You’ll also:

• Manage a small team, including assessing social workers and recruitment officers
• Deliver Initial Home Visits and run Skills to Foster training
• Oversee recruitment events, campaigns and community engagement activities
• Supervise and quality assure Form F assessments
• Build strong, trusting relationships with prospective carers
• Contribute to national innovation and best practice in fostering recruitment

About You:

You’re a qualified Social Worker with fostering experience and a passion for finding the right families for children. You're a confident communicator, highly organised, and understand how to balance compassion with compliance.

You’ll need:

• Social Work qualification (DipSW, CQSW, BA or MA) and registration with SWE/SSSC/Social Care Wales
• At least 2 years' post-qualifying experience in fostering or statutory childcare
• Experience delivering training and managing assessments (incl. CoramBAAF Form F)
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, fostering regulations and the carer recruitment journey
• Ability to manage and motivate staff, meet deadlines, and lead with a trauma-informed approach
• A flexible, proactive mindset – willing to work occasional evenings/weekends
• Access to a car and willingness to travel across the region