Job Description:

Orange Grove Fostering Services
Supervising Social Worker
Contract: Part Time, Permanent
Location: Beverley / Doncaster
Covering Area: Leeds, Doncaster, Beverley and surrounding areas
Salary: up to £39,000 per annum FTE
Hours: 18.5 hours per week

Benefits

• £3,000 car allowance
• 30 days' annual leave, rising to 35 days with length of service
• Bank Holidays
• Company Pension
• Life Assurance x2
• Employee Discount Scheme
• Medical Cash Plan
• Free Parking
• All benefits are pro-rated for part-time employees

About Us

Orange Grove was founded in 1996 by two social workers who understood that strong relationships held the key to successful fostering. As with all families, relationships matter. They provide a stable platform for growth, which is why we commit time, effort and resources to nurturing them constantly.

We do this for the children in our care by getting to know them and providing a safe and positive family environment. We do it for our Foster Parents by treating them individually and tailoring our support to their needs. We also take care to build strong and positive relationships with local authorities and our other partners, so we can all work effectively together.

This has been at the heart of our philosophy since Orange Grove was established in 1996.

The Role

Orange Grove Fostering Services Yorkshire is currently seeking a qualified and experienced Supervising Social Worker who is enthusiastic, committed and has an appreciation of the role of Foster Parents and their skills.

We ask our Supervising Social Workers to take a collaborative approach with Foster Parents to promote meaningful and relevant supervision of placements. Experience of working with Foster Parents as professional colleagues and within a multidisciplinary environment is essential.

You must hold a full driving licence, be a confident driver and be willing and able to travel across Leeds, Doncaster, Beverley and surrounding areas, with unrestricted access to your own vehicle.

This is a demanding position that includes responsibility for quality assurance and maintaining high standards, as well as delivering training to prospective and current Foster Parents. You will be an excellent report writer and able to work to strict deadlines.

You will be involved in the recruitment, training and supervision of Foster Parents and promoting the welfare of children placed with Orange Grove Fostering Services.

Requirements

Child-Centred Practice & Safeguarding Expertise

• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, child protection procedures and fostering regulations.
• Ability to assess risk, promote children's welfare and ensure safe placements.

Assessment & Analytical Skills

• Experience in completing Form F assessments and ongoing Foster Parent reviews.
• Skilled in analysing family dynamics, resilience and capacity to foster, with clear evidence-based reporting.

Relationship Building & Communication

• Ability to build trusting relationships with children, Foster Parents and birth families.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports, chairing meetings and liaising with local authorities.

Trauma-Informed & Therapeutic Practice

• Experience supporting children who have experienced trauma, neglect or abuse.
• Understanding of attachment theory, developmental trauma and strategies to support emotional regulation.

Multi-Agency Working & Professional Collaboration

• Skilled at working in partnership with local authorities, schools, therapists and health professionals.
• Ability to advocate for children while balancing regulatory requirements and agency responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to Foster Parents within a manageable caseload that enables a high level of supervision
• Provide regular supervision to allocated Foster Parents, enabling and monitoring their practice and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards
• Work in partnership with children, young people, Foster Parents, other professionals, local authorities and stakeholders, enabling full participation in assessment, planning, reviews and decision-making relating to safeguarding and child protection

Additional Requirements

• Hold a full driving licence and have unrestricted access to your own vehicle.
• Be willing to undertake an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by Orange Grove Fostering Services.

Orange Grove Fostering Services is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

Orange Grove Fostering Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.