Dorset Council
Social Worker - Kinship Assessment
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Social Worker - Kinship Assessment
Fostering Social Worker – Kinship Assessment Team
We are seeking a passionate and committed Fostering Social Worker to join Dorset Council’s fostering service.
Dorset Council offers:
- Regular supervision
- Access to high-quality training and professional development
- Support from advanced practitioners and the Dorset Social Work Academy
- Implementation of therapeutic approaches, including the Mockingbird Family Model
- A commitment to helping children stay close to their families and communities via Kinship Foster Carers and Special Guardians
Responsibilities
As a Kinship Assessment Team Social Worker, you will:
- Conduct kinship assessments for fostering and special guardianship, working closely with children, families, carers, and other professionals
- Adhere to regulations, Council policies, and procedural timelines
- Supervise children in Reg 24 arrangements (including kinship support duties)
- Prepare and present courtship reports, with court evidence required as needed
- Present reports to fostering panels, supporting carers’ assessments
- Attend and participate in mandatory training during assessments
- Work flexibly in a hybrid capacity (home and office)
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Requirements
We are seeking a dedicated, dependable, and skilled social worker with:
✔ A qualified social work degree and registration with Social Work England ✔ At least three years of post-qualification experience (preferred) ✔ A clear enhanced DBS check ✔ A full, clean driving licence (travel across Dorset and beyond required) ✔ Strong organisational and communication skills,with the ability to:
- Meet deadlines
- Produce detailed written reports ✔ Experience working with foster carers in statutory social care ✔ Comprehensive knowledge of child care legislation and safeguarding ✔ Ability to create an environment where fostering practice thrives and carers feel supported and valued
Additional Notes
- This is a 37-hour per week, full-time role with significant travel requirements
- You MUST have access to a personal or approved vehicle for work purposes
Key Policies, Standards & Compliance
-
Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check applies
-
Mandatory safeguarding policies and procedures enforced, including:
- Safeguarding Children & Young People
- Adult Safeguarding
- Employment of Ex-Offenders Policy
-
ASYE Requirements (for those qualified post-2012):
- Must undergo Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE)
- Must meet professional capabilities framework standards during ASYE
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Benefits
By joining Dorset Council, you’ll benefit from:
✅ ** Support for professional development** (academy training & mentorship) ✅ Access to flexible, hybrid working ✅ Award-winning reputation for fostering inclusivity & diversity ✅ Key Skills Recruitment & Retention Scheme (£2000/p.: pro-rata post 24 months) ✅ Diverse range of employee resources & community impact
About Dorset Council
Dorset Council operates on principles of collaboration and sustainability, providing essential services to 300,000+ residents. We are buildng a diverse, inclusive, and thriving organisation, open to applicants from all backgrounds.
🔹 Disability Confident Employer – Interview support guaranteed if eligible. 🔹 "Your recruitment experience will be accessible if you require adjustments."
A Right to Work check is required as part of the hiring process.
For more information, email: kinship_support@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Apply now! 🚀
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