Supervising Social Worker

Salary: £29,951.65 per annum
Benefits: £2,000 Car Allowance, 30 days' Annual Leave (increasing to 35 days with service) + Bank Holidays, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme & Medical Cash Plan (all benefits pro rata)
Location: Hybrid - supporting foster carers across Plymouth and Cornwall
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding - 2026

Are you a newly qualified social worker eager to kickstart your career in fostering? Look no further! At Foster Care Associates, we offer a fantastic opportunity to grow your professional skills within a supportive and experienced team.

We understand that starting your career can be both exciting and challenging. That’s why our dedicated team is here to provide you with the support you need to thrive. From day one, you’ll benefit from a structured induction program designed to familiarize you with our processes and best practices.

With the guidance of our experienced colleagues, you’ll receive mentorship throughout your journey, ensuring you have the resources and confidence to excel in your role. Plus, you’ll be supported through the CPEL program, delivered in partnership with universities.

We truly value the fresh perspectives and enthusiasm that newly qualified social workers bring, and we encourage applications from those who are newly qualified or set to complete their qualification this year.

Founded in 1994 by a former foster parent and social worker, Foster Care Associates (FCA) is a leading fostering agency and part of the Polaris Community—one of the UK's largest networks of children's service providers.

Our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of looked-after children. From our humble beginnings in Worcestershire, we have grown significantly, building a strong reputation for excellence and offering a wide range of services to children and families.

Today, we are proud to be one of the country’s largest and most experienced independent fostering agencies. Despite our size, we maintain a close-knit community and remain committed to supporting every child and foster parent.

Our South West team is on the lookout for a passionate Supervising Social Worker to empower foster carers and young people across Cornwall and Plymouth. In this role, you will:

• Support foster carers and their families to achieve outstanding outcomes for all children and young people in foster care.
• Monitor the suitability and competence of foster carers, ensuring they provide a safe, nurturing environment.
• Ensure that carers fully understand their responsibilities and the standards expected, including FCA policies and procedures.
• Provide regular supervision to allocated foster carers in line with FCA's Operational Standards.
• Work collaboratively to identify and meet needs within foster families, contributing to relevant meetings and tasks.
• Ensure compliance with all key documentation for each child and foster carer.
• Attend meetings and provide reports for commissioning teams regarding individual care packages.
• Promote the participation of children and young people in the agency's development and access to local resources.
• Participate in an 'out of hours' support service on a rota basis.
• Occasionally conduct initial home visits and Form F Assessments.

• A Social Work qualification.
• Professional registration with Social Work England or equivalent.
• Proven ability to produce high-quality reports.
• A comprehensive understanding of relevant legislation and child safeguarding procedures.
• The willingness and ability to travel extensively (including occasional overnight stays).
• Confidence in transporting children and young people in challenging situations.
• A full driving licence.

If you’re ready to make a difference and embark on a rewarding career with us, we’d love to hear from you!

Foster Care Associates is an equal opportunities employer and has been awarded the Disability Confident Employer status by Jobcentre Plus.

The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.