Locum Safeguarding Qualified Social Worker

Social Worker – Standard (Children)

Brief Job Overview

 
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Supervising Social Worker to join Derbyshire County Council’s Fostering Service. This rewarding role involves supporting and supervising foster carers across the county, with a focus on the south of Derbyshire. You’ll play a key part in ensuring that foster carers receive the guidance, training, and encouragement they need to provide safe, nurturing, and stable homes for children and young people.  

This position offers a supportive and collaborative working environment, with regular supervision from an experienced management team and opportunities for professional growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide regular supervision and support to foster carers in line with the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 and National Minimum Standards.
• Undertake home visits and ensure foster carers are meeting the emotional, physical, and developmental needs of children placed in their care.
• Prepare high-quality written reports, including annual reviews for foster carers and panel presentations.
• Identify foster carers’ training and development needs and contribute to their professional growth and support plans.
• Promote best practice and ensure compliance with all statutory safeguarding requirements.
• Work closely with children’s social workers, health, and education professionals to ensure positive outcomes for children in placement.
• Respond to issues or concerns raised by foster carers promptly and effectively, offering appropriate advice and guidance.
• Participate in fostering panels and other service meetings as required.
• Maintain clear, accurate, and timely records in line with Derbyshire County Council’s policies and data protection regulations.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the fostering service to share learning, improve practice, and promote stability within placements.

About You

 
You are a compassionate and confident Social Worker with experience in fostering, children’s services, or family support. You bring empathy, professionalism, and strong interpersonal skills to your work, building trusting relationships with foster carers and colleagues alike.  

You are well-organised, proactive, and confident in managing your own workload, while maintaining a child-centred approach. You will thrive in a supportive environment that values reflection, collaboration, and high-quality practice.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Experience working within Children’s Services, ideally within fostering or placement support.
• Sound understanding of the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 and National Minimum Standards for Fostering.
• Strong written communication skills, with experience preparing reports and presenting to panels.
• Excellent relationship-building and supervision skills.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload and prioritise effectively.
• Full UK driving licence and access to your own transport – essential, as travel across Derbyshire is required.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and reflective practice.

Contract & Salary

• Job Type: Locum
• Location: Derbyshire County Council (covering primarily the south of the county)
• Service Area: Fostering – Children’s Social Care
• Contract Length: 3 months (with potential for extension)
• Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience
• Working Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week
• Working Pattern: Hybrid / Office-based as required

How to Apply

 
If you are an experienced and passionate Social Worker with a background in fostering or children’s social care, and you’re ready to make a meaningful impact supporting carers and young people across Derbyshire, we’d love to hear from you.  
Please apply using the form on the page.