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Social Worker (Children’s) – Supervising Social Worker, Exeter & East Devon

Brief Job Overview

 
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Supervising Social Worker to join the Exeter & East Devon Fostering Team at Devon County Council. This vital role focuses on supporting, supervising, and advising foster carers to ensure children in care are provided with safe, nurturing, and stable placements.  

You will play an active role in delivering high-quality fostering services, contributing to carer development, placement stability, and service improvement in line with the National Minimum Standards for Fostering and the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide supervision, guidance, and support to foster carers, ensuring that placements are safe, stable, and meet the needs of children in care.
• Undertake regular and unannounced visits to foster homes to monitor placement quality and compliance with fostering standards.
• Complete annual foster carer reviews and contribute to the quality assurance of fostering provision.
• Assist in the delivery of training and development programmes for both prospective and existing foster carers.
• Champion high standards of social work practice and ensure that all work aligns with fostering legislation and local policies.
• Advise on and promote legal options for children to be cared for within their family or wider network where appropriate.
• Collaborate with colleagues and partner agencies to maintain strong multi-agency relationships and deliver coordinated support.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and reflective case records in accordance with Devon County Council’s recording standards.
• Work proactively to identify and address issues that may affect placement stability, providing early intervention and support.
• Ensure foster carers feel valued, supported, and empowered in their role as part of the wider fostering community.

About You

 
You are a skilled and confident social worker with a sound understanding of fostering practice and legislation. You are passionate about ensuring that children grow up in safe and nurturing homes and are equally committed to supporting foster carers to thrive in their role. You bring excellent communication, organisational, and relationship-building skills, along with the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining a focus on achieving positive outcomes for children.

Skills & Experience

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Successful completion of the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE).
• Strong post-qualifying experience within children and families social wor