Fostering Social Worker

About the Role Shropshire Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join their Fostering Service on a 3-month maternity cover, supporting foster carers and ensuring high-quality care placements for children and young people. This is a varied and relationship-focused role, working across the full fostering journey-from assessing prospective carers to supporting approved carers in delivering safe, stable and nurturing placements. You'll play a vital role in ensuring fostering households meet regulatory standards, while promoting a trauma-informed, child-centred approach to care. Hybrid: Home-based with office attendance (approx. 2-3 times per month) Key Responsibilities Complete initial home visits, supporting applicants through the fostering journey Undertake robust, analytical fostering assessments in line with legislation and best practice Identify development needs and contribute to Personal Development Plans (PDPs) Present clear recommendations to Fostering Panel and Agency Decision Maker Support Fostering Hub and preparation groups for prospective carers Provide regular supervision, guidance and emotional support Support carers to deliver safe, stable and therapeutic care Empower carers to meet children's needs and promote placement stability Help carers overcome barriers to training and development Conduct regular visits to fostering households Monitor the quality of care, home environment and child's progress Ensure compliance with Fostering Regulations, National Minimum Standards and safeguarding requirements Work collaboratively with adoption teams, IFAs, education, CAMHS and other partners Support placement stability through timely interventions and coordinated support Contribute to managing capacity and transitions across services Contribute to service improvement initiatives Support engagement activities and wider fostering promotion Ensure practice consistently meets regulatory and quality standards Why Join Shropshire? Flexible hybrid working (predominantly home-based) Opportunity to work in a supportive, specialist fostering service Meaningful role supporting carers and children directly Short-term contract with immediate impact Strong emphasis on trauma-informed and child-centred practice Experience/Skills Hold a recognised Social Work qualification Are registered with Social Work England Have experience within fostering or children's social care Can confidently complete assessments and provide carer supervision Have strong communication, analytical and relationship-building skills Are committed to trauma-informed, child-centred practice Hold a full UK driving licence and can travel across Shropshire If you're an experienced Social Worker looking for a flexible fostering role where you can make a real difference in a short-term contract, we'd love to hear from you