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Social Worker – Fostering (Court Assessments)

Brief Job Overview

 
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Social Worker to join the Fostering Service at Dudley Council on a 3-month locum contract. This role focuses on court assessments and fostering recruitment, supporting the training and assessment of new foster carers while ensuring high-quality placements that promote the safety, wellbeing, and development of children.  

You will use your assessment, analytical, and report-writing skills to complete robust fostering and court assessments, working within a supportive and well-structured service dedicated to achieving positive outcomes for children and families across Dudley.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake high-quality fostering and court assessments in line with the Fostering National Minimum Standards and relevant statutory guidance.
• Contribute to the recruitment, training, and assessment of new foster carers, ensuring they meet regulatory requirements and can provide safe, nurturing environments for children.
• Prepare clear, analytical, and evidence-based reports for panel and court proceedings.
• Work directly with prospective and approved foster carers to provide supervision, support, and guidance throughout the assessment and placement process.
• Promote the voice of foster carers and children within the fostering service and across the wider organisation.
• Collaborate with children’s social workers, panel members, and partner agencies to ensure the best possible placement matches and outcomes.
• Uphold safeguarding responsibilities and ensure compliance with the Children Act 1989 and Fostering Services Regulations 2011.
• Participate in training and professional development activities to maintain and enhance practice standards.
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives and support the delivery of high-quality fostering provision across Dudley.

About You

 
You are a qualified and experienced social worker with a strong background in fostering, assessment, or statutory children’s services. You are confident in preparing detailed analytical reports for court and fostering panels and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You are committed to safeguarding children and ensuring that foster carers are supported, valued, and well-prepared for their role.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Substantial post-qualified experience in statutory children’s social care, ideally within fostering or assessment teams.
• Strong understanding of the Children Act 1989, Fostering Services Regulations 2011, and National Minimum Standards.
• Experience completing Form F Assessments or similar fostering and court assessment work.
• Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and promoting the voice of children and carers.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a supportive team.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail in documentation and compliance.

Contract & Salary

• Job Type: Locum
• Location: Dudley
• Service Area: Fostering / Court Assessments
• Contract Length: 3 months
• Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience
• Working Hours: Full-time
• Working Pattern: Hybrid / Office-based as required

How to Apply

 
If you are an experienced fostering social worker with strong assessment and report-writing skills, and a commitment to improving the lives of children and families, we’d love to hear from you.  
Please apply using the form on the page.